Oklahoma transportation board OKs $60,000 raise for director

 OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s governing board on Monday unanimously voted to recommend a $60,000 raise for its leader.

Tim Gatz would see his salary increase to $245,000 a year.

He serves as head of both the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, and his salary is paid by both agencies, said Brenda Perry, an ODOT spokesperson.

The recommendation will go to Gov. Kevin Stitt, who will decide whether to approve it, Perry said. Gatz also serves as Stitt’s transportation secretary.

A spokesperson for the governor said Stitt does not set the salary, adding that it is a decision made by an independent commission.

Transportation Commissioner Michael Junk said the agency needs continuity in leadership.

He said Gatz has done a tremendous job and is “a true public servant.”

Gatz said he appreciated the kind words, and said that he has a dream job.

Gatz told the governing board that after completing a market study, the agency intends to provide employee salary adjustments ranging from 3% to 14% at a cost of $10 million for a full fiscal year.

“It is not predicated on job performance,” Gatz said. “This is truly trying to keep up with market.”