Potter County recently received a $102,000 check from the state government,
covering another overdue installment of the state’s share of District Attorney’s
Andy Watson’s salary. According to Potter County Today, the state still owes Potter County more than $12,000 for
the DA’s salary in 2016, as well as $115,614 for the current year.
Act 57 of 2005 obligates the state to pay the 65 percent of a full-time DA’s
$177,868 salary. When those payments lag, the county covers the entire cost, a
situation that does not sit well with the Potter County Board of Commissioners.
Other counties with full-time district attorneys face a similar shortfall.
According to a spokesman for the Office of Attorney General, the Criminal
Justice Enhancement Account does not have enough funds to reimburse the full
amount. As the funds continue to accumulate in the account, the state will make
its final payment for 2016.
