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Board approves larger pay increases for elected officials; some supervisors voice morale concerns
Summary
The board adopted a resolution to set elected-officials pay for 2027–2030 with near-term increases larger than those for regular county employees; supporters cited internal equity while some supervisors warned about impacts on staff morale.
The St. Croix County Board voted 14–2 to approve a resolution establishing compensation levels for elected officials for 2027–2030. Staff explained the recommendation seeks to align sheriff and clerk-of-court pay with a market placement created by last year’s adjustments to other elected positions, and said the increases are positioned to restore internal equity among elected roles.
Staff said the package would implement increases of roughly 18% in the first year followed by three years of approximately 3% increases; administrators noted the increases are not the same as what regular county employees will receive (staff employees were described as receiving a 3% COLA plus step increases). Several supervisors expressed concern about morale implications for regular employees if elected officials receive much larger percentage increases. The board ultimately approved the resolution after discussion.
Board documents show the county’s compensation approach includes periodic market studies (every three to four years) and planned moderation going forward, and staff said they would return to a more consistent approach in future cycles.
