A look at Marion County salaries

County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes, right, and County Attorney Matthew Minter, left, are shown during a Marion County Commission meeting on Nov. 2, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

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Posted April 15, 2026 | By Jennifer Hunt, [email protected]

With some notable outliers, most of Marion County’s salaried employees fall into the $50,000-$79,999 range.

Based on the current salary records for 2026 (estimated based on approximately 650 employees), here is the percentage breakdown by annual salary bracket, including specific examples from the records:

1. Over $200,000: ~0.3%

This bracket includes the top legal and executive leaders of the county: Matthew Minter (county attorney) and Mounir Bouyounes (county administrator).

Minter’s salary grew from $214,132.96 in 2020 to $311,625.60 in 2026 — 45.5% increase.

Bouyounes’ salary has grown by 39.9% (or $84,252.53) since 2021, now sitting at $295,412.00 in 2026.

Mounir Bouyounes’ employment contract specifies that the County Administrator “participates in pay increases approved to all employees,” which includes Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) or other increases authorized by the board through evaluations. In lieu of a county-owned vehicle, the amendment provides for a car allowance of $350 per two-week pay period. This adds approximately $9,100 annually to his total wages, assuming 26 pay periods.

The contract ensures he participates in any “one-time payment programs awarded to employees in general.”

2. $180,000 – $199,999: ~0.8%

This group consists of assistant county administrators and the chief assistant county attorney.

Some of these positions have had significant increases in salaries over the past few years.

• Tracy Straub (County Engineer to Assistant County Administrator): Grew from $110,783.04 in 2020 to $194,355.20 in 2026 — 75.4% increase.
• Amanda Tart (Assistant County Administrator) earned $96,046.80 as HR/Risk & Benefits Director in 2020, rose to Assistant County Administrator in 2026 with a salary of $193,211.
• Dana Olesky (Chief Assistant County Attorney): Grew from $129,628.24 in 2020 to $198,161.60 in 2026 — 52.9% increase.
• Angel Roussel Venegas (Public Works Assistant County Administrator to Assistant County Administrator): Grew from $136,745.20 in 2020 to $194,355.20 in 2026 — 42.1% increase.

3. $150,000 – $179,999: ~1.4%

This bracket includes the fire chief, deputy chiefs and some high-ranking department directors.

• Examples: James Banta (fire chief) at $179,908.80, Robert Graff (deputy chief) at $162,249.60, Drew Rogers (deputy chief) at $164,808 and Anthony Cunningham (utilities director) at $169,728.00.

4. $100,000 – $149,999: ~13.1%

This large group of high earners includes department directors, division chiefs, battalion chiefs and senior engineers. Most of these directors have seen an increase in their salaries by about 30 to 40 % since 2020.

• Examples: Thomas Northey (IT director) at $141,918.40, Julia Sieg (library director) at $141,065.60, James Couillard (parks and recreation director) at $143,270.40 and Lonnie Blackburn (division chief) at $145,100.80.

5. $80,000 – $99,999: ~13.2%

Middle management, experienced captains and lieutenants, and senior specialized staff fall into this range.

6. $50,000 – $79,999: ~52.5%

The majority of the county workforce falls within this bracket, encompassing administrative managers, senior technicians and most public safety personnel.

7. Less than $49,999: ~18.8%

This bracket primarily includes entry-level positions, administrative assistants, library technicians and maintenance workers, such as a 911 specialist, road maintenance tech or a procurement contract analyst

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Summary of 2026 salary distribution

Salary Bracket	Estimated Percentage
Over $200,000	~0.3%
$180,000 – $199,999	~0.8%
$150,000 – $179,999	~1.4%
$100,000 – $149,999	~13.1%
$80,000 – $99,999	~13.2%
$50,000 – $79,999	~52.5%
Less than $49,999	~18.8%