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County administrators propose market study, position to strengthen finance controls as 2026 levy planning begins
Summary
Polk County26#8217;s administration told commissioners it will pursue a market/pay-equity study, consider a mid-level finance position to strengthen internal controls and use earlier timing on studies so results can be incorporated into the 2026 budget. Commissioners discussed preliminary levy percentages and asked for a draft at 426#8217;5%
Polk County administrators told commissioners on Oct. 21 they will move forward with more frequent market studies and suggested adding a mid-level finance/accounting position to strengthen internal controls and succession capacity in the finance office.
Finance capacity and audit risk: County administrators said current finance staffing leaves gaps for routine internal accounting controls, accounts-payable centralization and capital-asset planning. The county administrator recommended creating a midline accounting or accounting-manager position to provide supervisory backup for payroll and to take on process mapping and internal controls work. "We don't have backup... I can't expect her to do everything," the administrator said, adding that the role would help reduce the amount of audit cleanup currently borne by external auditors.
Pay-equity and market studies: Commissioners and administrators discussed accelerating a market-study cycle. The administrator explained Polk conducts market studies approximately every three years but said market pressure is now concentrated at the top of pay scales and recommended an earlier market study to provide data for 2026 budget decisions. The administrator said the county26#8217;s approach balances internal pay equity with market comparisons.
Preliminary levy planning: Staff presented levy scenarios and asked the board for direction on a preliminary levy number to publish in the required notices. Commissioners debated setting a preliminary rate (options shown from 3% up to 5%+ were discussed). Multiple commissioners said a 4% to 4.5% preliminary figure would be reasonable; staff said a 5% preliminary would provide more room in deliberations and still allow the board to reduce the levy before final adoption.
Next steps: Administrators will schedule a market study with HR and may place a new mid-level finance position in the 2026 budget for board consideration. They will also prepare preliminary-levy language and present scenarios at the next budget meeting so commissioners can adopt a formal preliminary figure before required publication deadlines.
Sources: County Administrator and HR/finance staff remarks and department budget presentations during Polk County budget workshop on Oct. 21.
