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Commission adopts 2.5% COLA and step increases for 2026; elected officials get 2.5% raise
Summary
After debate about competitiveness and budget constraints, the board set a 2.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment and a 2.5% step increase for non‑contract staff for 2026 and separately approved a 2.5% pay increase for elected officials. The HR director had proposed higher increases to close gaps with neighboring jurisdictions.
Lincoln County commissioners approved a 2026 pay plan on Dec. 2 that sets a 2.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) and a 2.5% step increase for most county employees. Human Resources Director Carrie Elling had proposed a larger 4% COLA plus 2.5% step increases (with a different COLA for highway staff) to improve recruitment and retention versus neighboring jurisdictions; commissioners instead passed a motion to implement a 2.5% COLA and 2.5% step increases.
Commissioners discussed recruitment pressures from Minnehaha County and the City of Harrisburg and the need for a full salary study to better target specific positions. The board also separately approved a 2.5% raise for elected officials (no step increases apply to elected positions).
The HR director said pay is the top recruitment challenge and recommended a salary study to provide more detailed benchmarking. The board noted the change will not retroactively alter existing contracts negotiated with unions or contract providers.
