Allen County commissioners finalize union talks and clear path for 2026 salary adjustments

Commissioner Cory Noonan said Feb. 24 that union negotiations with the Allen County Sheriff’s Office that delayed the 2026 budget process are complete, and the board has agreed to an adjustment affecting full‑time and part‑time non‑union general fund employees. "Negotiations are complete and the Commissioners have agreed to an adjustment for Full Time and Part Time Non-Union General Fund employees," Noonan said.

Commissioner Brian Winegardner added that salary line increases will be retroactive to Jan. 1, 2026. Auditor Rachael Gilroy explained steps departments must follow to ensure payroll entries reflect the changes correctly, and Finance Director Susan Wildermuth distributed an updated 2026 budget packet to department heads and elected officials for implementation planning.

The board said the 2026 budget will be adjusted to reflect the changes once accounting supplemental appropriations are completed. Commissioners also continued discussing a supplemental pay policy for general‑fund employees who leave county employment; staff was directed to draft an agreement that would specify how any portion of supplemental funds would be returned if an employee terminates employment before specified milestones.

Next steps: county staff will complete required payroll processes and post supplemental appropriations; the commissioners indicated the budget update will follow those accounting steps.