St. Clair County approves 3.5% raise for eligible county employees

The St. Clair County Commission voted to increase pay for eligible county employees by 3.5%, replacing an earlier 3% action, during a regular meeting. The change was adopted after commissioners debated whether to pair a COLA with a one-time lump-sum payment.

Legal counsel cautioned the commission that a one-time lump-sum payment could be perceived as payment for past work and advised proceeding carefully. The county attorney told commissioners they should avoid any action that "could be perceived as making a payment for past work," recommending legal review before finalizing a lump-sum program.

Payroll staff clarified timing and implementation. County staff said the increase would be effective for the pay period beginning Jan. 4, with checks likely issued on Jan. 23. Commissioners discussed practical implications for payroll processing and notifying employees.

Commissioners discussed approximate costs of a one-time payment versus an ongoing COLA during the meeting. A staff estimate presented during discussion put a $500 one-time payment for full-time employees at roughly $105,000; another figure mentioned in discussion for broader inclusion climbed toward $150,000. Those numbers were provided as rough estimates during debate and were described on the record as such.

After discussion, a motion to adopt a 3.5% COLA (and to rescind the earlier 3% action) was moved and adopted by voice vote. Commissioners directed staff to proceed with implementation steps and complete any required legal review before issuing lump-sum payments or other adjustments.

Next steps: payroll will coordinate issuance of adjusted paychecks in line with the effective pay period and county attorneys will complete reviews for any lump-sum options before disbursing additional payments.