Owen County approves $5/$7 raises for highway staff amid recruitment crisis

Owen County leaders approved targeted raises for highway department employees after hearing from department supervisors that recruitment and retention at current pay rates had become untenable.

Highway leaders told the council they lost four employees in the month before the meeting and were struggling to attract applicants at the existing $19/hour starting rate. They proposed reinstating laborer positions, offering a tiered pay structure (higher pay for experienced operators), and funding a CDL‑training incentive (approximately $2,300 per trainee) contingent on a service agreement to limit turnover.

After extended discussion about cash balances, the sustainability of ongoing raises and the risk of future state budget cuts, the council voted to approve a $5/hour increase for most highway employees and a $7/hour increase for the department mechanic. Councilors requested that commissioners and staff monitor 2027 budget impacts and limit near‑term hires: the approved action included back pay for a promoted superintendent, approval of revised job descriptions for consolidated office roles and a temporary freeze on two positions to help control costs.

Council members repeatedly emphasized the tradeoff: the county has the cash in specific road funds this year to cover the change but must formalize sustainable funding for 2027 during the budget process, or else consider later adjustments. Several residents gave public comment urging improved local roads and expressed support for steps to stabilize the highway workforce.

Next steps: highway leadership will finalize the CDL‑training agreement language with counsel, provide the payroll numbers and back‑pay calculations to staff for appropriation, and report budget impacts during the county’s upcoming budget workshop.