Butler County adopts FY2027 budget, approves elected-official raises and 3.14% COLA for staff

The Butler County Board of Supervisors on April 28 adopted the county's fiscal year 2027 budget and certified property tax levies, and approved pay increases for elected officials and a 3.14% cost-of-living increase for non-elected, non-deputy staff.

Following a public hearing held April 22, the board approved Resolution #25-2026 adopting the FY2027 budget (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027) and set property tax levies that will appear on next year's tax statements. The adopted levy rates are: General Basic 3.52359, General Supplemental 2.27917, Emergency Medical Services 0.20733, Debt Service 0.29588, Rural Services 3.59463 and Rural Services Supplemental 0.17552.

On a separate vote the board adopted Resolution #24-2026, accepting the Butler County Compensation Board's salary recommendations for elected officials for FY2027. Approved salaries and listed increases include: Auditor $82,109 (3.14%); County Attorney $117,468 (3.14%); Recorder $82,109 (3.14%); Sheriff $121,396 (5.00%); Supervisors $37,432 (3.14%); Treasurer $82,109 (3.14%). The Compensation Board's recommendations reference Iowa Code Chapters 331.905 and 331.907; the board approved the resolution on a roll-call vote with AYES: Wayne Dralle, Greg Barnett and Rusty Eddy.

The board also approved a 3.14% cost-of-living increase for non-elected, non-deputy employees for FY2027. The motion to adopt the COLA was made by Wayne Dralle and seconded by Greg Barnett; the motion carried "all ayes."

Motions to adopt the resolutions and the COLA were recorded during the regular meeting, with formal roll calls recorded where required by resolution. The board approved the budget after the required public hearing on April 22, 2026.

The meeting record shows the board approved routine business items during the same session and adjourned at 9:44 a.m.; the next regular meeting is scheduled for May 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.