The Kossuth County Board of Supervisors voted Dec. 23 to expand eligibility for longevity pay and to set the annual longevity rate at $0.05 per year.

After a lengthy discussion about historical exclusions, union rules, budget consequences and whether longevity should be paid every year or in five-year increments, the board agreed to include all county employees except elected officials. Supervisors discussed whether the benefit should be tied to anniversary dates or paid on the fiscal-year schedule; the board directed payroll to implement the change on July 1 and to prepare a longevity policy and worksheets so department heads can account for the change in budget materials.

Board members noted past practice that some employee groups (deputies, conservation staff, certain department heads) had been excluded for historical and contractual reasons. Supervisors said inclusion would be phased in through the budget process and that departments should calculate the likely cost so the county can adopt the change without destabilizing wages elsewhere.

The motion to include all employees (except elected officials), set longevity at a nickel a year and make the payment annual was moved, seconded and approved by roll call. The board also asked HR/Payroll (Melissa/Tammy) to prepare the policy language and an implementation plan ahead of the July 1, 2026 effective date.