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DuBois County commissioners review 2026 budget, approve targeted pay adjustments and wellness changes
Summary
Commissioners reviewed department budgets for 2026, agreed to targeted pay increases for select positions (including a translator and select specialized staff), and discussed tightening wellness incentives by expanding required spouse screening for family coverage.
The DuBois County Board of Commissioners examined departmental budgets and confirmed targeted pay adjustments for selected, hard-to‑replace employees while holding a general 2% wage increase for most county staff.
Commissioner Chad Posinger led the discussion on staffing and compensation, saying commissioners were trying to retain specialized employees and avoid turnover. County human resources and department heads highlighted several specific requests: a raise for a court translator contingent on passing a professional certification exam, retention increases for technical staff in public works and buildings, and a small raise for the records/custodial staff. For the translator the county proposed a two‑step pay approach: a modest interim increase while the employee prepares to retake a required exam, and the remainder of the proposed increase if and when she obtains certification.
The commissioners also discussed changes to the employee wellness program. Staff explained that for 2026, spouses covered on county family plans would be required to complete the health screening and meet at least three of five screening standards for the household to qualify for the wellness rate. County HR said the change is intended to identify treatable conditions earlier and reduce long‑term health costs.
No formal ordinance was adopted at the meeting; commissioners indicated consensus on the targeted pay decisions and the conceptual wellness change and directed staff to include the items in the draft 2026 budget materials for formal advertisement.
Commission documents show small line‑item adjustments across departments (e.g., audit expenses, vehicle and maintenance line items), and multiple department heads explained how one‑time or situational costs had been moved between budget lines to reflect recent changes in operations.
The meeting left room for final changes before the county’s formal budget advertisement and adoption process later this summer.
