ANNAPOLIS — Sens. Donald F. Munson and Alex X. Mooney say the power to decide the salary of Washington County's sheriff should remain with state lawmakers if there is to be any system of checks and balances over the County Commissioners.

The two lawmakers offered an amendment Wednesday to a bill that would increase the sheriff's salary to $88,000 from $80,000 at the start of the next term, which begins in 2012.

That bill, sponsored by Washington County's delegation in Annapolis, was heard by a Senate committee Wednesday. It has passed the House.

Under the bill's current language, the General Assembly no longer would have control over the sheriff's salary. The General Assembly votes on salaries of other Washington County officials, including County Commissioners and the Board of Education.

Another bill being considered by Maryland lawmakers would increase the salary of Board of Education members. That bill leaves the power to decide increases with the General Assembly.

Del. Christopher B. Shank, R-Washington, presented the sheriff's salary bill to the Senate committee Wednesday. He said in his testimony that the majority of Washington County's delegation felt since County Commissioners pay the sheriff's salary, they should decide raises.

Munson, R-Washington, and Mooney, R-Frederick/Washington, do not oppose the sheriff's salary increase.

"There could be a problem with checks and balances," Munson said. "That's my greatest concern."

Mooney said the current process of setting the sheriff's salary works well and that he sees no reason to change it. He also cited a desire to continue the current system of checks and balances as his reason for offering the amendment.

The current process allows state lawmakers to determine whether a salary proposal by County Commissioners is "unreasonable," he said.

Washington County Sheriff Douglas Mullendore said he would prefer not to comment on the issue of the sheriff's salary or the amendment.