Due to the county's population growth in 2010 to more than 27,000 residents, the state has increased the salary caps for elected officials here by almost $400 in most cases.

The officials, however, can give the money back thanks to a new law passed this year.

As of October 1 most of the county's constitutional officers — Sheriff Joey Dobson, Clerk of Courts Al Fraser, Tax Collector Gene Harvey and Property Appraiser Tim Sweat — are eligible to receive an additional $392 in compensation, according to figures recently released by the state's Office of Economic and Demographic Research.

Supervisor of Elections Nita Crawford and county commissioners Jimmy Anderson, Mark Hartley, Adam Giddens, Michael Crews and Gordon Crews could get another $373 in annual pay. The maximum pay for school board members was increased by $104.

"Please note that this is the result of a formula that is based off of population and not due to any action by the [county] commissioners," said County Manager C.J. Thompson.

Click here for the state's full report, including details about the new law and the maximum 2011-12 salary levels.

See next week's edition for the full story, including reactions from elected officials.