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Webster County attorney outlines office budget, intergovernmental contracts that offset payroll costs
Summary
County attorney Darren Driscoll reviewed his office's budget, flagged inflation near 3% as a baseline for pay increases, described a Fort Dodge reimbursement for one contract position and projected about $66,800 from Hamilton County next year to offset salaries, and noted a small staffing-related savings.
Darren Driscoll, Webster County attorney, presented his office's budget lines and described two intergovernmental arrangements that reduce local payroll costs.
Driscoll told county officials he submitted general cost figures but left salary lines open pending a decision on cost-of-living increases. "I'm sure you're all well aware that inflation was around 3% last year," he said, adding that "anything shy of 3% despite budget constraints is another effective pay cut for employees." He said he had not included a finalized salary number because the county is still awaiting insurance-rate and other inputs.
The attorney highlighted two contract arrangements that affect his office's net cost. First, he described the Larry Hedlund contract under which the City of Fort Dodge reimburses about 60% of that employee's salary while Webster County pays 40% and all benefits; Driscoll said he invoices Fort Dodge quarterly and had asked the city to include a 3% increase on its share.
Second, he outlined an expanded agreement with Hamilton County to cover additional legal duties, including juvenile dockets and property assessment appeals. Driscoll said the Hamilton County arrangement began at roughly $60,000 and includes a built-in 3% annual adjustment; "So this coming year, it'll be 66,800 coming in from Hamilton County," he said, adding that the funds are reallocated among his attorneys to cover the additional workload.
Driscoll also noted a staffing change that will slightly reduce his payroll expense: an assistant left and the replacement was hired at $1.50 less per hour, producing modest savings for the next fiscal year.
There were no motions or votes recorded on the attorney's budget during the exchange. County staff said they had updated worksheets to reflect the new hire's pay but that final numbers remain pending insurance-rate updates and confirmation from the budget office. The discussion closed with officials acknowledging the updates and planning to finalize salary inputs once outstanding rate information is provided.
