Butler County’s more than 120 nonunion county employees may receive a 3 percent pay hike next year.

The county salary board is set to vote Wednesday on the proposed wage increase.

County Commissioner Jim Eckstein opposes the increase. He said at the commissioners meeting Monday that management, which comprises a significant portion of the 122 affected employees, should take less money as an example to all workers.

“It’s ridiculous,” Eckstein said about an automatic increase. “I’m for merit pay.”

Commissioner Bill McCarrier, board chairman, disagreed.

“I don’t feel we should penalize people for not being in the union,” McCarrier said.

Commissioner Dale Pinkerton agreed.

Along with the three commissioners, county Controller Jack McMillin is on the salary board.

McMillin said this morning he is withholding comment on this matter until Wednesday’s meeting.