Butler County’s new solicitor will start work in January.

The county salary board on Wednesday set the pay rate for the post, which will be filled by attorney Mike English.

English, who did not attend the meeting, said in an interview he applied for the position because his background fits the job’s duties.

“I’m suited for it,” he said.

English, 46, of Zelienople formerly advised Clarion County when he was employed by a different law firm. Since 2002, he has worked for Dillon, McCandless, King, Coulter & Graham in Butler.

He said the opening, which was created by solicitor Julie Graham’s pending retirement, was something he couldn’t pass up.

“It’s a good opportunity,” English said.

He is undaunted by the prospect of contention during commissioners’ meetings continuing into 2013.

“I’ve worked with this board on difficult issues in the past with success, and I hope that will continue,” English said.

He worked with the commissioners earlier this year to reach a financial settlement with two of the contractors who built the county prison on South Washington Street.

In a split vote Wednesday, the salary board approved the new solicitor rates of $43.26 an hour for 2013, $45.26 an hour for 2014 and $47.26 an hour in 2015.

Graham’s base salary is $51.36 an hour.

Commissioner Jim Eckstein dissented, saying there should not be automatic pay hikes for 2014 and 2015.

“I believe in merit raises,” he said.

Eckstein termed the second- and third-year pay hikes as “warm-the-seat raises.”

Commissioner Dale Pinkerton said on Monday a solicitor would only be retained in subsequent years if that person performed well in the job.

Eckstein claimed the other two commissioners told him he had to support the three-year rate schedule or they would keep the new solicitor’s rate the same as Graham’s.

“I think I’m being held hostage,” he said.

Commissioner Bill McCarrier refuted Eckstein’s comments during an interview.

“We never said that,” McCarrier said.

Pinkerton said in an interview the commissioners discussed salary options, not that he and McCarrier demanded Eckstein pick one or be forced to accept the other.

County Controller Jack McMillin, who also is a salary board member, pointed out the solicitor would not receive any additional increases for those three years.

McCarrier said there would not be a separate commissioners’ vote naming English as solicitor. Graham will remain through Feb. 8 during a transition period.

Despite protesting the rate schedule, Eckstein said he was satisfied with English’s hiring.

“He can litigate and do negotiations for union contracts,” Eckstein said.