Mitchell County raises planning and zoning director’s hourly pay to $25.35 after debate over closed-session rules

Mitchell County supervisors on June 30 approved an amended salary certification resolution that set the planning and zoning director’s hourly pay at $25.35, after a heated discussion about whether aspects of the pay discussion required a closed session under Iowa Code §21.5(1)(i).

The item opened with a request to move into closed session to discuss pay. County legal counsel reviewed Iowa Code §21.5, explaining the narrow circumstances under which a government body may close part of an open meeting to evaluate the professional competency of an individual when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and when the individual requests closure.

Planning and Zoning Director Amanda argued that performance-related justification for a pay increase could warrant closed session and said she had requested closure for that purpose. Amanda also defended her work to the board: "I think she'd do a very good job. She is a department head ... It's ridiculous that she gets paid less for one half of her jobs compared to the other," she said, urging recognition of the full scope of the position.

Board members disagreed about whether the discussion was properly fit for closed session and noted confusion over the two‑thirds voting threshold required to close session under state law. The board proceeded through motions and roll calls; after amendments the board approved resolution 1368-26 as amended to set planning and zoning pay at $25.35 per hour and also approved the 2627 budget appropriations resolution.

The meeting record indicates supervisors debated pay mechanics and comparables, and asked staff to reflect the amended wage rate in the salary certification.