Stearns County approves pay-equity compliance report 3–1; commissioners plan classification work session

The Stearns County Board of Commissioners voted on Feb. 17 to approve the county’s pay-equity compliance report required by state law, after commissioners debated whether further discussion should precede submission.

Commissioner Bertram said he pulled the report because employees had raised concerns and he wanted more communication before formal submission to the state; he expressed that approving the report without addressing those concerns could send the wrong signal. Administrator Williams and staff explained the submission is a statutory, triennial requirement (a snapshot of job classifications and pay differences submitted to the state) and said that while the report itself must be filed, the board will be offered a follow-up work session to examine classification procedures and possible policy changes.

Commissioner Clark said the report should be submitted to meet statutory timelines and reiterated that a deeper classification discussion is necessary; Clark moved approval. The board voted by roll call: Clark Aye, Persky Aye, Bertram No, Notch Aye — motion passed 3–1. Administrator Williams and staff committed to scheduling a classification-focused work session in the coming months to respond to the communication gaps cited in the debate.

The board’s action submits the compliance report to the state as required and initiates further local review of classification policy.