BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum vetoed a measure Monday that would limit a governor’s ability to dole out salary bonuses, though his prospects for winning his first veto fight with the Legislature appears in doubt.
The bill “places unprecedented and intentional restrictions” on a governor’s ability to recruit and retain key employees, Burgum, a Republican, wrote in his veto message to House Speaker Larry Bellew, R-Minot. “These restrictions intrude upon the operations of the executive branch and violate the separation of governmental powers established by the North Dakota Constitution.”
The measure was spurred after then-Gov. Jack Dalrymple approved nearly $100,000 in retention bonuses for five staffers in 2015. It was the first time a governor had used the bonus program.
Leaders of both parties criticized the bonuses, and the president of the union that represents more than 11,500 public employees said the bonuses to Dalrymple’s inner circle hurt state employees’ morale.
The legislation would limit bonuses to not more than 10 percent of an employee’s annual salary or five thousand dollars, whichever is less. It flew through the Legislature this session, winning House approval by a 91-1 vote, while the Senate tally, 36-10, was strong but less favorable.
To override Burgum’s veto, 63 House members and 32 senators would have to vote to reverse the governor.
Dalrymple, a Republican who had been governor since 2010, said the bonuses were awarded based on merit to members of his staff and cabinet “who are important to the process in governing the state of North Dakota.” The governor said his key staff members are “highly desired” in the private sector and the bonuses were given to keep them.
Records obtained by The Associated Press at that time found Dalrymple, who did not seek re-election last year, approved bonuses totaling about $99,824 to members of his staff in 2013-15, including $31,960 to his chief of staff, Ron Rauschenberger. Rauschenber now serves as an adviser to Burgum.
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The vetoed bill is HB1153.
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