Hallock council approves staggered pay-step increases for three municipal employees, 4–1

The Hallock City Council voted 4–1 on Dec. 16 to approve pay-step increases for three municipal employees, moving two raises to the first payroll of January 2026 and one to the first payroll of February 2026.

Kendra Kroening, the city administrator, was identified among the employees considered for a step increase. Councilor Kevin Waller reported that personnel reviews for “Justin, Kara and Kendra” were completed and recommended step increases. Waller moved the measure; Mayor David Treumer seconded the motion.

Councilors debated whether increases should follow each employee’s hire anniversary or be consolidated at the start of the calendar year for bookkeeping simplicity. Councilor Jen Peterson argued for aligning raises at the beginning of the year, saying, “For simplicity give all the raises at the first of the year.” Mayor Treumer agreed with Peterson, stating, “I would just soon do it at the first of the year.” Councilor Naomi Larson noted exceptions where an employee hired in April would be disadvantaged by a blanket January policy.

The council approved increases for Justin and Kara effective with the first payroll in January 2026 and a step for Kroening effective with the first payroll in February 2026. The motion passed with four yes votes and one no; Councilor Peterson opposed the timing.

The decision leaves payroll administration with two raises effective in January and one in February; councilors cited bookkeeping convenience and proximity of the employees’ hire dates (Justin in December, Kara in January, Kroening in February) as the rationale for the staggered effective dates.

Next procedural steps: the council’s motion recorded the effective dates and the city will process the payroll adjustments in January and February 2026.