Goodhue County approves 3% wage adjustment for sheriff and county attorney; sheriff asks for step increase for chief deputy

The Goodhue County Board of Commissioners approved a 3% general wage adjustment for the county attorney and a separate 3% general wage adjustment for the sheriff during its personnel committee discussion.

Jessica (Speaker 14) reported the personnel committee had met and recommended adjustments after reviewing performance and comparables. Commissioners discussed whether to set dollar amounts or percentages and reviewed regional comparators provided by DDA. A motion to maintain the county attorney’s salary and apply a 3% increase carried by voice vote; a separate motion to apply a 3% general wage adjustment for the sheriff also carried.

During the same discussion the sheriff (Speaker 6) asked the board to consider a step increase for Chief Deputy John Huneke—requesting movement from grade 119 step 9 to step 12—citing Huneke’s 25 years of service and responsibilities including Xcel Energy oversight and upcoming HAB drill coordination. Chair noted the request was not on that meeting’s agenda and said the personnel committee and county staff should review the county’s job-reclassification and appeal procedures with DDA (the state/contracted comparator referenced in the discussion) and return with recommendations. The board did not take immediate action on the chief deputy’s request.

Commissioners emphasized consistent application of policy and noted that job reclassification typically requires submission of standardized forms and documentation before any appeal or grading change. Staff said they would work with DDA on which forms and documentation should be completed for a full review.