(1972)

PAUL D. LAWENT, Corporation Counsel, Marathon County

You request my opinion whether a county board may establish a step-salary program for an elected official such as the district attorney to provide, for example: no experience, $16,500; two years as district attorney, $17,500; four years as district attorney, $19,000; etc.

I am of the opinion that it cannot.

Section 59.15 (1) (a), Stats., provides:

"(1) ELECTIVE OFFICIALS. (a) The board shall, prior to the earliest time for filing nomination papers for any elective office to be voted on in the county (other than supervisors and circuit judges),…