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Kossuth supervisors set 3% wage-increase assumption, debate longevity and health-insurance budgeting
Summary
The Board set a 3% wage-increase assumption for departmental budgets (motion passed 4–1), discussed changing longevity-pay structure (suggestions included a nickel per year), and directed departments to use a 15% increase assumption for county health-insurance contributions pending final rates from the insurer.
The Kossuth County Board of Supervisors voted to set a 3% wage-increase assumption for departmental budget worksheets. The motion (moved by Speaker 3 and seconded by Speaker 4) passed 4–1, with one supervisor recorded as voting no.
Board members discussed the compensation board's recommendation (which included a larger increase for the sheriff) and the need to remain competitive for recruitment. Several supervisors said 3% aligned with cost-of-living figures; some advocated starting higher for budgeting scenarios and scaling back if necessary.
On longevity pay, supervisors noted the county's current structure (phrased in the packet as 1¢ per hour / 5¢ every five years in discussion) is inconsistent across departments, and they asked staff to prepare a list of which employees currently receive longevity, their years of service, and the rationale for eligibility. Several supervisors suggested standardizing the policy (examples in discussion included a nickel per year) but agreed more analysis is needed before any formal change.
On health insurance, the county auditor (Speaker 9) presented a five-month fund-balance review showing the fund at $2,318,602 and an annual change down $166,222.72. Using updated claim figures the auditor said the projected loss could be closer to $300,000 rather than previously estimated $90,000. The auditor also flagged 16 members with claims over roughly $30–35K and six above the $75,000 stop-loss threshold. Given uncertainty in final rates from the carrier (Wellmark/Walmart figures expected in January), the board directed department heads to use a 15% increase to the county contribution for budget-planning purposes; supervisors said final decisions will be refined when insurer numbers arrive.
Why it matters: these budget assumptions will be used countywide to prepare FY26 department budgets and affect recruitment, retention and benefit-cost sharing. The longevity discussion could change how longevity is applied across offices and change long-term personnel costs.
Next steps: Staff will compile a complete list of employees who currently receive longevity and their years of service; the auditor will provide updated insurance pricing when available and the board will finalize contributions after carrier rates are provided.
