Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Custer County adopts policy on nonstandard pay raises after extended debate; HR to draft implementation details
Summary
The board approved a resolution formalizing that non-budgeted or midyear pay raises generally take effect at the start of the next pay cycle, with the board retaining authority to approve exceptions; commissioners asked HR to return with merit-step options and clarifying language.
After extended discussion on Dec. 10, the Custer County Board of Commissioners adopted resolution 25-62 to formalize the county's approach to nonstandard (non-budgeted or midyear) pay raises.
What the resolution does: The policy requires that approved pay increases generally take effect at the beginning of the next pay cycle (to prevent in-year budget creep and processing complications), while allowing the board to approve exceptions when justified. The resolution is intended to tighten controls on midyear payroll changes and ensure budget predictability.
Discussion highlights: Robert Smith from Human Resources and other speakers warned that a rigid rule could hamper necessary, time-sensitive hires or retention actions; they urged that the resolution include language acknowledging that limited exceptions may be needed. Commissioners agreed on the intent to prevent unbudgeted salary increases that affect future budgets, but several asked staff to add clarifying provisions and to explore a merit/step increase system (for example, the process used in neighboring Fremont County) to provide structured salary progression.
Outcome and next steps: The board adopted the resolution by voice vote but asked HR and staff to draft supporting policies that clarify exceptions and consider a merit-step framework; staff will return with revised language and implementation details.
