Ciliberto, Studnicka, ask court for a raise

Two Scott County elected officials have decided if the county board won't give them a raise, they are going to ask a judge to do so.

Sheriff Kevin Studnicka and Attorney Pat Ciliberto claim the Scott County Board was arbitrary and capricious in not giving them a raise. The board voted to freeze their salaries for 2011 due to budget concerns.

Both men were reelected without opposition last year. Studnicka is beginning his second term and Ciliberto his third.

The two claim that they are already underpaid compared to sheriffs and county attorneys in other Twin Cities counties. Ciliberto is slated to earn $124,276 this year and Studnicka $113,580.

The suit could cost the county more than $100,000 in legal fees, far more than what Ciliberto and Studnicka are seeking in raises. That could mean the two sides will be seeking a settlement before it goes to a hearing.