The Great Falls International Airport board voted unanimously during its May 26 meeting to give John Faulkner, airport director, a two percent raise.

That brings his total compensation to $205,747.

Sean Hoven, airport board member, said, “I have tremendous confidence in our director” and the airport is in “wonderful hands.”

Faulkner has been the airport director since 2010.

Board approves raise for airport director [2024]

Last year, the board increased his salary by two percent to $201,708 and extended his contract to May 31, 2029.

In 2024, the airport board gave Faulkner a favorable review and a three percent pay increase. bringing his annual salary to $197,752. That year, the board added a one-year contract extension through May 2027.

Airport director gets raise; among top paid public officials in Great Falls [2023]

In 2023, the airport board increased Faulkner’s salary by 3.78 percent to $191,993.15 and gave him five additional personal days.

In 2021, the board gave Faulkner a favorable review but didn’t recommend a raise. The board did authorize a one-time $5,000 bonus.

Faulkner is among the top-paid public officials in Great Falls.

County compensation board increases salaries for elected officials, non-union employees

Last week, the Cascade County compensation board approved a four percent increase for elected officials, including the county attorney, the highest paid elected official in county government, for a $154,828 salary.

The county attorney’s salary is capped at the salary of a district court judge, which is currently $159,813.

District court judge salaries are set by state law, which requires that before June 30 of even-numbered years, the Montana Department of Administration shall conduct a salary survey of judges of courts of general jurisdiction similar to the Montana district courts for the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Idaho.

Those salaries, including that of a Montana district court judge, are calculated to determine the average salary. If the average is greater than that of a Montana district court judge, then that is the new salary beginning July 1 of the following year. A district court judge’s salary may not be reduced.

In March, City Commissioners gave City Manager Greg Doyon a favorable review a 1.6 performance-based raise and a 2.4 percent cost of living adjustment, for a 4 percent total.

City Commissioners give Doyon favorable review, salary increase

The performance increase equates to $3,324.11, bringing his base salary to $211,080.99.

The 2.4 percent COLA on that amount equates to $5,065.94, bringing Doyon’s new annual salary to $216,146.93.

The increase was $8,390.05 effective March 24, which is Doyon’s contract anniversary.

Last spring, commissioners extended Doyon’s contract another three years to March 24, 2029.

Doyon has been the city manager since 2008.

GFPS board completes Hoyer’s second annual superintendent evaluation

Also in March, the Great Falls Public Schools board gave Superintendent Heather Hoyer a favorable review with no contract changes.

In 2024, the board approved a three-year contract for Hoyer with a starting salary of $175,000.

She assumed the role of superintendent on July 1, 2024.