The McLeod County Board approved several employee-compensation and benefits items Tuesday: a switch to HealthPartners as the county’s health-insurance carrier, employer contribution levels for 2026, HSA matching limits, funding for an employee well-being program and updated nonunion salary schedules with 2026–2027 wage increases.

County HR staff presented recommended employer contributions for 2026 nonunion participants: $900.70 toward single coverage; $1,351.06 toward employee-plus-child(ren) and employee-plus-spouse tiers; $1,801.40 toward family coverage; and a $250 opt-out payment for eligible employees who have coverage elsewhere. The board approved the contributions as budgeted, contingent on successful contract completion with HealthPartners.

The board also approved HSA participant matching: a maximum dollar-for-dollar county match up to $1,200 for single plan participants and up to $1,800 for other eligible tiers. Commissioners approved the 2026 employee well-being budget, which funds biometric screenings, fitness programs, well-being challenges and trainings; staff said participation yields cost savings for employees and the county.

Finally, the board adopted an updated nonunion 2025 salary schedule, and salary schedules and annual wage increases for nonunion employees for 2026 and 2027; commissioners said the changes aim to keep county wages competitive in the job market. All actions were approved by voice vote.