Kossuth County sets 3% raises for elected officials; sheriff’s pay raised to 6%

The Kossuth County Board of Supervisors voted to set budgeted raises of 3% for elected officials and approved a separate, amended raise of 6% for the sheriff.

The action followed a presentation by the county’s compensation board, which reviewed pay comparisons with neighboring counties, changes in taxable valuation and a recommended general increase. The compensation board presenter reviewed historical pay data and recommended a modest increase; supervisors debated the cost and whether the sheriff’s position required a larger adjustment to aid recruitment.

Supervisors asked for comparative context and raised concerns about health-insurance costs and how much of the county’s limited growth would be available for wages. A motion was made to set 3% for all elected officials and 5% for the sheriff; an amendment to increase the sheriff’s share to 6% was seconded and approved, and the main motion (3% for elected officials; sheriff at 6%) then carried.

Board members framed the decision as a budgeting guidance rather than a final, irrevocable pay change; multiple speakers noted the figures were for the FY-27 budget process and could be adjusted later if necessary based on final health-insurance costs and levy calculations.

The next procedural step is to incorporate these percentage figures into the FY-27 budget materials and continue discussion during scheduled budget workshops.