In a move that drew sharp lines between executive compensation and frontline equity, Supervisor Channce A. Condit stood alone in opposition to a sweeping salary increase approved by the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors on August 5.

The measure, which passed 4–1, authorizes an 11% pay raise over three years for unrepresented confidential assistants, management employees, department heads, and elected officials.

Condit, who represents District 5—including the communities of Newman and Crows Landing—voiced strong concerns about the growing wage gap between top-tier leadership and the county’s frontline workforce.

“County government has become too top-heavy,” Condit said during the meeting. “We need to reinvest in the foundation, which is the staff on the ground who interact with the public day in and day out, and deliver the essential services our communities rely on.”

The approved plan includes:

• A 4% salary increase effective immediately

• An additional 4% in July 2026

• A final 3% in July 2027

While supporters of the measure cited the need to remain competitive in attracting and retaining leadership talent, Condit argued that the timing and structure of the raises send the wrong message to working families and taxpayers.

“At a time when our residents are being asked to do more with less, government leadership must lead by example,” he said. “This vote reflects my commitment to standing with working families and protecting taxpayer dollars.”

Condit said his stance aligns with his broader platform of fiscal discipline, transparency, and prioritizing community services.