Gibson County Council adopts 2026 salary schedule with arbitration contingencies

The Gibson County Council on Monday approved the county'026 salary schedule known in the meeting as 'workbook 2,' with language designed to protect the county if a pending grievance goes to arbitration.

County staff described two proposed salary ordinances for highway employees: one column would take effect Jan. 1, 2026 and remain in force unless the county loses arbitration; a second would grant a $1‑per‑hour raise only if the county is unsuccessful in arbitration. An unnamed county staff member presenting the spreadsheets explained the two columns and the contingency language.

Council members debated how to handle an existing intentional pay gap for chief court reporters. One council member moved to preserve that gap and to ensure the reporting/pay adjustment triggers correctly in January; the motion passed.

A motion to adopt the 2026 salary schedule (workbook 2) was made and seconded on the floor and then carried after a voice vote. The council recorded no roll‑call opposition during the meeting.

Why it matters: the schedule affects multiple county departments and could change payroll costs depending on the arbitration outcome. County staff said the Jan. 1 effective column would remain in place unless arbitration results require the county to revert to a prior schedule.

What happens next: council staff indicated the salary schedule will be implemented in January and that any necessary revisions after arbitration would revert wage scales as directed by the arbitration result.