Greene County extends longevity tiers to 45 years and sets 4% planning COLA

The Greene County Commission voted to extend its employee longevity (tiered) pay schedule out to 45 years and approved a 4% across‑the‑board raise for planning purposes as staff finish budget submissions.

The commission approved a motion, moved by Commissioner Brian Sacchet and seconded by Commissioner Karen, to expand the longevity tiers beyond the 20‑year cap established last year. Under the change, department heads, first deputies and elected officials will receive an additional $600 for each five‑year increment beyond 20 years; second deputies and other employees will receive $400 for each five‑year increment beyond 20 years. The commission subsequently approved a separate motion, made by Commissioner Brent and seconded by Commissioner Brian Sacchet, to include a 4% raise in draft budgets for planning purposes, with authority to reduce that amount at budget time.

Why it matters: the votes alter how long‑tenured county employees accumulate longevity pay and affect the county’s payroll budget for 2026. Commissioners and staff debated tradeoffs between retaining long‑tenured employees and the cost to the county, and they asked finance staff to provide precise cost estimates before finalizing the fiscal 2026 budget.

Background and details of the longevity tiers

The commission adopted a tiered longevity system…