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Board approves salary recommendations after debate over larger attorney raises
Summary
The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors approved resolution 2026-012 setting FY2026–27 salary recommendations for elected officers after debate over proposed attorney raises and supervisor increases; the board adopted a package that included targeted promotions and smaller percentage increases than some members sought.
The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors on a voice roll call approved resolution 2026-012, which sets the board's recommended salaries for elected county officers for fiscal 2026–27 after a lengthy discussion about how to balance competitiveness with the county's fiscal constraints.
A supervisor who led the discussion said the county should aim to pay the attorney, auditor, recorder, sheriff and treasurer competitively and proposed a 3% increase for those offices while recommending a smaller raise for supervisors. "I would propose an increase of 3% for the attorney, the auditor, the recorder, the sheriff, and the treasurer," the supervisor said during the meeting. The same speaker recommended a 1% increase for the board of supervisors, saying the board should "lead by example." (Speaker reference: Supervisor.)
Opposing views emerged during the exchange. One supervisor said it would be difficult to give large additional increases to attorneys after a substantial raise last year and favored a smaller increase; another suggested 0% for supervisors. Several members said they support modest increases but not the larger attorney raises proposed by county staff.
The board moved and seconded the resolution and conducted a roll-call voice vote; a majority voted to adopt the package as presented at the meeting. The motion carried with multiple "yes" votes recorded by name during the roll call.
The meeting also approved a specific personnel action required by code: a promotion for an assistant in the county attorney's office to 85% of the county attorney's salary. The personnel packet referenced the promotion for "Terry" (the transcript shows variable spellings: Partucci/Cortucci). The board approved the promotion as required by statute.
Why it matters: Supervisors said the county faces competition from neighboring counties and state agencies for attorneys and other professional staff. Several supervisors described prior large raises in certain offices and said the board is trying to balance competitiveness with the county's ability to fund state-mandated services.
What's next: The approved recommendations will be incorporated into the county's FY2026–27 budget process. The board noted that additional staff and program requests will be considered as part of budget hearings.
Votes at a glance: Resolution 2026-012 (elected-officer salary recommendations) ' Motion moved and seconded; outcome: approved (majority voice roll call). Personnel promotion (assistant county attorney to 85%): approved.
The board ended that agenda item and proceeded to review bond projects, IT renewals and other budget items later in the meeting.
