UTICA, N.Y. -- The Oneida County Board of Legislators approved a salary increase for four county positions: the executive, sheriff, comptroller and clerk.

The biggest increase is going to the county executive position. It's jumping several thousand dollars to $140,000 a year.

The figures came from the Citizens Review Committee on Elected Officials Compensation. Members considered several factors, including what other counties are paying and comparable salaries in other sectors.

County Executive Anthony Picente said it's a raise none of the people in those positions asked for, and these positions haven't had a raise in several years.

"It's a process, and I know that people are going to question it and it's going to be one of those tough pills to swallow for some, but again, it goes back to parity in terms of this county and what the future of this county leadership will look like," Picente said.

One legislator did not support the salary increase. A public hearing has to be held before the increases take effect.