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Commission approves 5.5% pay increase for county workers; OKs $45,000 prosecuting‑attorney adjustment
Summary
Cole County commissioners approved a 5.5% salary increase for non‑director staff and accepted a $45,000 budget adjustment for the prosecuting attorney, including the elimination of a $37,500 position and a plan to hire a full‑time employee in September.
Cole County commissioners voted Feb. 25 to grant a 5.5% pay increase for county 'worker' positions identified by staff, while reserving separate review for department heads and directors.
Commissioners said the raise is intended for senior administrative assistants, maintenance staff, and other non‑director positions; several higher‑level positions including the finance director, HR director, purchasing, county counselor and maintenance director were discussed for exclusion from this action. The commission recorded the pay change as matching the 5.5% increase approved earlier for elected officials.
Separately, the commission approved a prosecuting attorney budget adjustment increasing the office budget by $45,000. Commissioners amended the request during discussion to reflect eliminating an existing position that would cover $37,500 of the cost; the prosecuting attorney told the commission a part‑time position will remain available and that a new full‑time hire is planned for September. Staff said the change does not increase the overall long‑term budget beyond previously discussed amounts.
Commissioners discussed benefit‑rate assumptions used in calculations, with one commissioner noting that a 35% fringe assumption in the printout overstates the portion that changes with salary (FICA, Medicare, CERF) and that the variable portion is closer to 20%.
Both the 5.5% staff adjustment and the prosecuting attorney budget change passed on voice votes.
Details on implementation, including which specific job titles are included and the timing of payments, will be handled by county HR and finance staff and returned to the commission as needed.
