County clerk warns elimination of merit raises will hurt hiring and morale; handbook tabled

District Court Clerk Judi Wegner told the Dodge County Board of Supervisors during discussion of the revised employee handbook that eliminating merit increases "is sending employees the wrong message." Wegner said the change "diminishes managers' ability to recognize strong performance, lowers morale and makes it difficult to hire qualified employees." The remarks were made during the Nov. 12, 2025 meeting in the courthouse boardroom while students attended County Government Day.

Supervisor Beam responded that there remains an incentive after the probationary period under which managers can award raises "of up to $1.00." Chairman Missel confirmed the handbook language eliminates traditional merit increases and instead implements cost-of-living adjustments. Supervisor Bendig told the Board that Zelle Human Resource Solutions conducted salary studies comparing county departments with other counties and private-sector entities.

The handbook also includes administrative clarifications such as a five-day vacation carry-over limit and a courthouse security provision requiring employees to use the main east entrance. Sheriff Weitzel said the Security Committee will meet and create an implementation plan; the committee expects to put the plan in place by Jan. 1, 2026. The Board tabled formal approval of the employee handbook until its Nov. 26, 2025 meeting.