Sherburne County adopts 2026 levy and approves 1.5% increase to commissioners' pay
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Summary
The board adopted the 2026 budget and associated levy and approved a 1.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment to commissioners' salaries; commissioners asked staff to prepare a salary‑comparison study for elected and senior positions in the first quarter of 2026.
Sherburne County commissioners on Tuesday adopted the 2026 budget, set associated levies, and approved a 1.5% adjustment to commissioners’ salaries for the coming term.
County staff presented the levy and budget materials and noted the levy adoption is the final annual step; the board approved the budget and levy after discussion. The finance presentation also noted the county’s upcoming audit engagement with CliftonLarsonAllen slated to begin preliminary fieldwork in mid‑January 2026.
A separate, sometimes lengthy debate focused on commissioners’ compensation. Because Minnesota statute requires the outgoing commission to set salaries for the succeeding commission, commissioners reviewed options including 0%, 1.5%, 2%, and 3% adjustments and discussed whether to restore separate mileage/per‑diem or retain the consolidated salary approach. After amendment the board approved a 1.5% raise for commissioners (the motion carried after votes and an amendment). Commissioners also approved statutory salaries for other elected officials (sheriff, recorder, treasurer, county attorney) and requested a salary‑comparison report to be prepared in the first quarter comparing counterpart counties and the methodology used for those comparisons.
Finance notes: Treasurer presented the November trial balance, showing ARPA funds totaling $1,001,098.78 and investment earnings of $1,351,015.63 for the month (year‑to‑date interest earnings over $3.5 million). The board approved the treasurer’s monthly report.
What happens next: Staff will publish the budget and levy notice materials that the board reviewed and will prepare a salary‑comparison briefing for presentation in Q1 2026.
