Grant County commissioners approve 2026 pay increases, cut one vacant deputy post and set 18-mill road levy

The Grant County Commissioners voted Aug. 20 to approve pay adjustments for county employees, eliminate one unfilled deputy position in the sheriff’s office for the 2026 budget year, and impose an 18-mill levy for road and bridge in unorganized townships.

Commissioner Al Roy Hochhalter and others discussed and approved a 3% annual pay increase for salaried employees (excluding Deputies Moore and Palmer) and a $1.00 per hour increase for most hourly staff. A small set of hourly employees received larger increases for equity: David Reineke will receive $3.50 per hour, Bert Harsche $2.50 per hour, and Leroy Harsche $2.00 per hour.

The board approved a motion by Hochhalter, seconded by Chairman Alton Zenker, to eliminate one currently unfilled deputy position in the sheriff’s office. Commissioner Marty Meyer voted against that motion; Hochhalter and Zenker voted in favor, carrying the motion. The minutes state the sheriff’s office will consist of the sheriff, three deputies and one office assistant; Hochhalter said the board could add a deputy position later if an acceptable candidate is found.

Commissioners also voted to appropriate $17,500 to the Grant County Fair Association for 2026 fair expenses and to levy 18 mills for road and bridge in all unorganized townships. The board noted the 18-mill levy is required by 2025 legislation for counties and organized townships to qualify for Flex Fund distributions and said the county would adjust the general fund levy to reduce the overall tax impact on property owners.

The actions were recorded in the meeting minutes and will be incorporated into the county’s 2026 budget materials. The budget hearing is scheduled for Sept. 10, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the Grant County Courthouse courtroom.