There's a big shortage around where I live also. The Delaware officials association nearly went on strike over pay rates. Their argument was the 3 states surrounding Delaware all paid more and they could just take games there instead rather than in Delaware
All sports are having big problems getting officials right now. The older guys are retiring, not as many younger people are getting into it, and a lot of people are quitting because of spectator/athlete/coach misconduct and abuse of officials. As you said it's not a lot of money. You do it because you like doing it and there's only so much crap people are willing to take. My kids are both athletes and I'd never advise that they get into officiating. I'm an athletic director, coach, and former official and I'd never officiate again. Ever.