The Dunn County Commission convened on December 18, 2024, to address several key agenda items, primarily focusing on personnel changes and cost of living adjustments for county employees.

The meeting began with a proposal to restructure the Building and Grounds Department, which included additional responsibilities for the current manager, Will Albrecht. The board discussed the need to update Albrecht's job description and classification within the county's pay scale. Following a review, it was determined that his position should be elevated from a C4-1 to a D6-1 classification, resulting in a pay adjustment. The board unanimously approved moving Albrecht to the minimum of the new pay range, which is $42.02 per hour, plus any merit increases and adjustments for cost of living.

Commissioner Pelton made the motion to approve the change, which was seconded and passed with a roll call vote. The discussion highlighted the importance of aligning job responsibilities with appropriate compensation, particularly as Albrecht would be taking on additional supervisory roles, including overseeing park board meetings and campground management.

The meeting then shifted to the topic of cost of living adjustments (COLA) for county employees. The board reviewed recent inflation data, noting a 2.6% increase for November, which was consistent with the average for the year. There was considerable discussion regarding the implications of COLA on employee salaries, particularly the disparity between higher and lower-paid employees. Some commissioners expressed concerns about the fairness of percentage-based raises, suggesting that all employees should receive the same dollar amount to address the rising cost of living.

Ultimately, the board voted to approve a 2.6% COLA for all employees, which was seen as a necessary step to maintain equitable compensation in light of inflation. The motion passed with a majority vote, despite some dissent regarding the approach to salary adjustments.

In conclusion, the Dunn County Commission's meeting addressed significant changes in personnel structure and compensation, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure fair pay and appropriate job classifications for county employees. The decisions made during this meeting are expected to have a positive impact on employee morale and retention as the county navigates the challenges of inflation and budgetary constraints.