Butler County’s elected officials will take a pay cut next year — sort of — thanks to the county commissioners’ vote Thursday to reduce annual cost of living adjustments.

While not an actual cut, the COLA reduction limits the pay raises to 1 percent.

Previously, the county based its COLA on the Pittsburgh Consumer Price Index, which amounted to a 3.5 percent increase in 2013. The commissioners’ action Thursday sets a flat-rate COLA of 1 percent.

The change takes effect in 2014 for row officers running for election this year. For the rest, including commissioners, the change starts in 2016. Besides the commissioners, the change affects the treasurer, controller, sheriff, coroner, recorder of deeds, prothonotary, clerk of courts and register of wills.

The row officers voiced support for the lower COLA. They should. Many in the private sector would be very happy with a 1 percent pay raise, especially when it’s their hard-earned tax dollars that are bankrolling it.

Jeer A mere 16 percent of the county’s registered voters bothered to get to the polls Tuesday. That’s a dangerously low number.When so few people vote, each of their votes carries more weight. Such was the case in the 1970s when a loose coalition of racists, conspiracy theorists and other extremists led by political activist Lyndon H. LaRouche capitalized on voter apathy to gain power in several local and state-level elections. The LaRouche movement fizzled in the 1980s when its leader was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and tax evasion.“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Irish political philosopher Edmund Burke never said that, although the quote is widely attributed to Burke, mainly because it’s a great thought — a thought that 84 percent of the county’s electorate voters might dwell on between now and the November general election.

Jeer We all read with shock and horror how Maddox Derkosh broke loose from his mother’s grip Nov. 2 and fell into the African painted dogs exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, where the dogs fatally mauled the 2-year-old. Many of us grieved sympathetically with his family during the funeral.This week, Maddox’s parents filed a lawsuit alleging the zoo should have known the exhibit was unsafe. Elizabeth and Jason Derkosh are seeking more than $300,000 in damages.As horrifying and tragic as Maddox’s death was, it shouldn’t cloud the notion of parental responsibility. No one should let an unattended child cross the street, wander through a department store, jump into a lake or swimming pool or drive a car. These activities are hazardous for young children to negotiate on their own. Some, like driving, are prohibited by law; all are prohibited by common sense.Institutions like zoos can and must strive to enhance their visitors’ safety. But a zoo is not a nursery, and lawsuits won’t make it one. Visitors must take reasonable precautions and supervise their children’s safe conduct.