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Commissioners set COLA at 2% and move budgeted funds to courthouse repairs
Summary
Steele County commissioners discussed cost-of-living adjustments and voted to set COLA at 2%, moving a portion of budgeted salary funds into courthouse repair accounts.
Steele County commissioners reviewed the draft budget and voted to set the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for county employees at 2% as part of final budget preparations on Sept. 9.
Charlie, a county official who spoke during the budget discussion, recommended awarding a fixed dollar amount to each employee rather than a straight percentage so lower-paid staff receive a relatively larger benefit. "I suggested we take whatever percentage you decide on, multiply it by the number of employees and divide by the number of employees," Charlie said, arguing the approach would be fairer to lower-paid staff.
Commissioners debated percentages and longevity/step increases. The board ultimately approved a motion to set COLA at 2% and to move the remaining budgeted percentage (the draft originally showed 4%) into the courthouse repair/building fund. A motion to adopt the 2% COLA and reallocate funds passed on a voice vote.
Staff indicated they will update the budget worksheets and present a final version for adoption at the next meeting; the final budget must be filed by Oct. 7 per local deadlines. Commissioners also discussed maintaining the existing step (longevity) program alongside COLA adjustments.
