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Broadwater County approves 90¢‑per‑hour COLA for county employees starting July 1
Summary
The Broadwater County Board of Commissioners approved a $0.90‑per‑hour cost‑of‑living adjustment for all county employees for fiscal year 2027, following the Compensation Board’s recommendation and discussion about local labor market pressures.
The Broadwater County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a $0.90‑per‑hour cost‑of‑living adjustment for all county employees, to take effect July 1 for fiscal year 2027.
Commissioners discussed the Compensation Board’s work, noting the board met twice and compared percentage‑based and dollar‑amount COLA approaches. The Compensation Board recommended $0.90 per hour, described in the meeting as close to a 3% increase when applied across the county pay scale; the Department of Revenue inflation figure cited during discussion was 2.97 and a Social Security projection of 2.8% was referenced.
Supporters said the flat dollar increase helps lower‑paid employees proportionally more than a straight percentage and helps the county stay relatively competitive with nearby labor markets such as Bozeman and Helena. A motion to approve the $0.90 per hour COLA starting July 1 was moved, seconded and approved by the board on a voice vote.
What’s next: The increase will be implemented in payroll beginning July 1 and the county indicated staff will post details online for employees.
