County approves HR reclassifications and pay adjustments for sheriff and county attorney; commissioners get 3% raise

The Goodhue County Board approved multiple personnel and pay items in its December meeting, including reclassification grade changes for three appealed positions, pay adjustments for the county attorney and the sheriff, and a 3% wage increase for county commissioners tied to the 2025 budget.

Personnel committee representatives told the board they reviewed classification appeals and recommended grade changes for the county surveyor, the land use management director and a civil specialist deputy. Commissioner Anderson moved to adopt the recommended grade changes for those three positions and to implement any applicable memoranda of understanding; the motion passed by roll call.

The committee also reviewed compensation requests for the county attorney and sheriff. After discussion—committee members said they found the pay adjustments justified by duties, experience and performance—the board voted to approve the requested adjustments for both offices. A representative from one of the affected offices thanked the board for the support.

Finally, staff explained Minnesota statute requires the board to formally set commissioner wages. The board approved a 3% wage increase for commissioners, matching the budget’s cost-of-living adjustment recommendation; several commissioners said they would review county comparative pay during an upcoming workshop but did not block the 3% action.

Next steps: Personnel and finance staff will implement the grade changes and pay adjustments and process the commissioner wage increase under applicable payroll and MOU procedures.