McLeod County commissioners approved a package of nonunion employee compensation and benefits recommendations from the budget committee, including employer health insurance contribution levels for 2026, a switch of the county’s carrier to HealthPartners (pending contract completion), HSA matching limits, a year‑round employee well‑being budget, and updated nonunion salary schedules for 2025–2027 and associated wage increases for 2026 and 2027.

Budget staff presented recommended employer contributions for nonunion health insurance for 2026: $900.70 toward single coverage; $1,351.06 toward employee‑plus‑child or employee‑plus‑spouse tiers; $1,801.40 toward family coverage; and a $250 opt‑out payment for eligible employees who have other coverage. The recommendation carries no increase to the contribution from 2025 and assumes successful completion of contract negotiations with HealthPartners.

The board also approved HSA participant matching contributions with a dollar‑for‑dollar match up to $1,200 for single plan participants and up to $1,800 for other eligible HSA tiers (employee plus children, employee plus spouse, family). Commissioners approved a proposed employee well‑being budget that supports biometric screening, fitness programs, well‑being challenges, wellness credits and trainings; staff said participation rates are healthy and the program provides potential cost savings to employees.

Finally, the board approved updated nonunion salary schedules for 2025 and the salary schedules and annual wage increases for 2026 and 2027 to maintain market competitiveness. Commissioners said the recommendations were reviewed by the joint insurance and budget committees and the board will provide employee communications and training about benefit changes.

Commissioner Schmoll moved to approve the health contribution and benefit package; a second was given and the board approved the recommendations by voice vote.