Goodhue County commissioners voted to approve a 3% general wage adjustment for the county attorney and a separate 3% general wage adjustment for the sheriff after a personnel‑committee discussion of elected‑official compensation.

Jessica (Speaker 13), who led the personnel‑committee presentation, said the committee met to review salary proposals and that it had recommended a $6,500 annual increase for each elected position after reviewing qualifications and performance. During the full‑board discussion commissioners debated whether to use a flat‑dollar adjustment or a percentage, noting that a 3.5% figure was discussed as a comparison point and that surrounding‑county data (the DDA report) had been circulated.

One commissioner questioned treating elected officials the same as department heads. Others noted unique local factors—nuclear plant oversight, gaming operations and a hydroelectric dam—that can affect local pay comparators. After discussion the board approved motions to set the county attorney’s adjustment at 3% and the sheriff’s adjustment at 3%, each carried by voice vote.

Separately, Sheriff (Speaker 11) asked the board to consider a step increase for Chief Deputy John Huneke, requesting movement from grade 119 step 9 to grade 119 step 12 and citing Huneke’s 25 years of service and additional responsibilities related to the Xcel Energy nuclear plant and HAB drill preparation. The chair said the item was not on the published agenda and that personnel policy and committee procedures must be followed; the board directed the personnel committee and staff to review job‑classification procedures and appeal forms and bring recommendations back at a later meeting rather than act immediately.

Commissioners emphasized the need for consistent, documented procedure for reclassifications and appeals so similar requests can be handled uniformly across county positions.