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Hood County approves 2026 salary spreadsheet and three-step pay matrix
Summary
Commissioners unanimously approved a 2026 salary spreadsheet and a three-step pay matrix that sets starting pay and step progression for most county employees while keeping the sheriff’s office on a separate schedule; staff were directed to supply detailed step/incentive breakdowns and draft a new incentive policy.
Hood County commissioners on Sept. 23 unanimously approved a 2026 salary spreadsheet and a three-step matrix intended to standardize starting pay and step progression for most county positions, while keeping the sheriff’s office on a separate matrix. The changes are effective Oct. 1, 2025.
Commissioner Andrews led the presentation and said the matrix establishes starting pay for each position, followed by steps for years two and three and then a move to incentive pay. “The matrix is to establish starting pay for each position, and then we do the first three steps, and then your incentive pay takes over after that,” Andrews said during the discussion. He described the approach as a way to simplify pay structure and preserve an overall 10% raise framework used in the prior year.
Auditor staff told the court the spreadsheet shows the ending salaries and that the matrix provides the mechanics for how to arrive at those figures; staff must produce the step-in-grade and incentive amounts so payroll can be processed. The auditor asked for the step/incentive breakout to be provided when the court’s approval is recorded.
The court approved the spreadsheet and matrix and directed staff to finalize a formal incentive policy and provide detailed backup for payroll processing. No dissenting votes were recorded.
What happens next: county staff must deliver the detailed step-and-incentive figures and a written incentive policy so the treasurer can process payroll under the new structure.
