GRAND BASSA, LIBERIA — The County Coordinator of the Grassroot Agency for Social Services (GRASS), Mr. Barley Togba, has cautioned the Government of Liberia against placing County Council members on the national payroll, asserting that such action contradicts existing law.
Mr. Togba made the statement on Friday, February 6, 2026, during a public awareness campaign organized by the Grand Bassa County Council in Buchanan. His remarks come after Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence recently announced that County Council members across Liberia have been included in the 2026 National Budget and are expected to begin receiving salaries following appeals from local leaders nationwide.
“I heard the Madam Pro-Tempore saying she has spoken with the Ministry of Finance for the County Council to be placed on salary,” Mr. Togba said. “But based on the law, the County Council is not allowed to be on salary. It is not a paid job.”
He stressed that County Council members are legally entitled only to honoraria, not monthly salaries, and therefore should not be captured on the national payroll. “If the government proceeds with paying County Council members from the national budget, it could set a dangerous precedent,” Togba warned.
According to Togba, allowing salaries for County Council members may invite legal challenges from other institutions seeking similar treatment under the law. “This is not just about Grand Bassa. It could open the door for others to contest government actions in court,” he explained.
Togba emphasized the importance of adherence to legal provisions to prevent potential confusion or disputes. “I believe this government respects the rule of law,” he said, “but taking the risk to pay the County Council from the national budget is unfortunate. I urge everyone to read and follow the law.”
The GRASS coordinator also called on lawmakers and government officials to uphold the legal distinction between honoraria and salaries. He warned that ignoring this distinction may undermine existing statutory frameworks and erode public trust in government institutions.
He further highlighted that the County Council, under Liberian law, is designed to advise and oversee county administration, not function as a salaried institution. “The law clearly defines the role and compensation of County Council members. Deviating from this could create legal chaos,” Togba stated.
Local leaders, while advocating for better support for County Councils, have expressed mixed views on the issue, some seeing salaries as a means to incentivize performance, while others share Togba’s concerns regarding legality and fiscal responsibility.
Mr. Togba concluded by urging all stakeholders to prioritize compliance with Liberian statutes, warning that bypassing the law could have lasting implications for governance and accountability. “Transparency and legality must guide all government actions,” he said.
