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Linn County approves FY27 budget guidelines with 3.5% wage placeholder for non‑bargaining employees
Summary
After debate, the Linn County Board of Supervisors adopted FY27 budget guidelines including a 3.5% placeholder for non‑bargaining employees; board emphasized fiscal caution, reserve target and the offer process for new initiatives.
Sarah Barrows, Linn County budget director, presented FY27 budget initiatives on Nov. 19 including a 3.5% placeholder wage increase for non‑bargaining unit employees and existing contractual increases for bargaining units. Barrows said health and dental premiums did not increase for this year and reiterated the county goal of a general fund ending balance equal to 25% of budgeted general fund expenditures.
Supervisors debated whether to set a 3.5% or 4% placeholder. One supervisor said HR recommended 3.5% and favored conservatism given revenue uncertainty; another supervisor said he preferred 4% previously but would support 3.5% today and leave the option to increase the number later in the budget cycle should additional revenue materialize. The board moved to approve the FY27 guidelines and initiatives, with the Chair making the motion; the motion passed by voice vote.
Barrows noted operational increases should be limited to contractually required items (utilities, postage) and that additional new initiatives will be evaluated through the county’s offer process in January. Supervisors emphasized the need to remain competitive with neighboring employers and to avoid overpromising raises that might later need reversal.
The board did not record a roll‑call tally for the voice vote; the motion was carried as stated in the meeting record.
