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Gratiot County commissioners approve chair premium, wage adjustments tied to nonunion increases and a benefits package
Summary
The board approved a 10% premium for the chair, annual increases tied to nonunion staff (proposed 3% in early years), and a phased benefits package (life insurance and dental/vision reimbursements starting in year 1, full health benefits proposed in year 3); some commissioners dissented in roll calls.
The Gratiot County Board on Tuesday adopted a package of changes to commissioner compensation and benefits that will take effect for the next four‑year term.
Staff presented a market comparison of commissioner compensation across peer counties and outlined proposals: a 10% premium for the board chair effective Jan. 1, 2025; annual wage increases for commissioners tied to the county’s nonunion employee increases (proposed as 3% in 2025–27); and a phased benefits package that would add life insurance and nonunion dental/vision reimbursements in year 1 and full nonunion‑equivalent health benefits beginning in year 3.
After discussion and questions about comparables and budget impact, the board voted to give the chair a 10% premium and to tie annual commissioner increases to nonunion staff raises. Roll calls on those measures recorded at least one dissenting vote (Commissioner Gay voted 'No' on the chair premium and on the wage‑tie motion). The board also voted to decouple county commissioners’ compensation from the road commission and approved the additional benefits package structure as outlined.
Board members said the goal is to make the roles more accessible to a broader set of residents by narrowing the compensation gap between full‑time employment needs and the historical part‑time nature of the position. Commissioners discussed implementing gradual increases rather than large lump‑sum adjustments to avoid optics and budget shocks.
Staff will instruct the clerk to notify the road commission about the decoupling and will incorporate the compensation changes into the county’s budget and personnel records as appropriate.
