SMITH COUNTY — Joann Fleming, a former Smith County commissioner, from 2004 to 2008, and a spokesperson for Grassroots America: We the People, tells KETK, she strongly disagrees with the decision made by Smith County Judge Joel Baker and Smith County Precinct 4 commissioner Joann Hampton, to take their pay raises, during a budget year, she says involved layoffs, and pay cuts for fellow employees.  According to Smith County officials, Baker and Hampton, took their raises back in October 2010, after they were re-elected in January 2010, but fellow commissioners, Jeff Warr, Cary Nix and Terry Phillips turned down their raises, that left over money going into a fund that will help county employees.  Smith County officials tell KETK Warr, Nix and Phillips are being paid $45,451.00 a year. 

Fleming says after taking their raises, Baker is making close to $86,285.00 a year and Hampton is making $59,040.00 a year.

She says that's a 45% increase for Baker, and a 30% increase for Hampton, over three years.

***Before the Fiscal Year 2008, raises became effective 10/01/07

Jessica Wilson/ KETKnbc.com