Dunn County sets road superintendent salary, moves employee to higher classification

Dunn County commissioners decided to reclassify the road superintendent as a salaried position and set the annual salary at $118,000, a change proponents said reduces classification risk and aligns with insurance and Department of Labor guidance.

Commissioner Pelton moved to set the road superintendent as salaried at $118,000. Commissioners discussed FLSA classification and liability; supporters noted the county—s insurance pool and prevailing departmental classifications. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with all commissioners voting yes.

Separately, commissioners approved a personnel action to move Lori Tabor to classification B24 after an initial motion and debate over whether to pursue a countywide salary study instead of individual adjustments. The roll-call vote on Tabor—s classification recorded Commissioner Heiser, Pelton and Kleeman in favor and Commissioners Olsen/Olson and Dalzell opposed; the motion nevertheless carried.

Why it matters: the classification change for the road superintendent affects budget planning, overtime eligibility and liability exposure; the individual classification change for Lori Tabor prompted discussion about whether the county should conduct a comprehensive salary study before making one-off changes.

What—s next: county staff will implement the salary change through payroll and continue discussions about a larger pay study. The commission asked for vendor bids or proposals if members want a formal salary-study procurement.

Attribution: Article relies on meeting statements, roll-call votes, and staff remarks as recorded in the transcript.