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Crawford County adopts 2026–27 elected-official salaries after extended debate
Summary
After a lengthy discussion about comparables and statutory guidance for sheriff pay, the board approved Resolution 26-11 setting FY2026–27 salaries, including a sheriff salary penciled at $111,500 and specified increases for treasurer, recorder and auditor.
The Crawford County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt Resolution 26-11, which sets elected-official compensation for fiscal year 2026–27. The decision followed an extended discussion over how state law requires the sheriff’s salary be compared with state patrol command officers, Division of Criminal Investigation administrators and city police chiefs, and how those comparables should be interpreted.
Chair Craig Jozark presented the methodology used to compute a comparable sheriff salary and told the board that his calculation produced a figure of about $108,208 as one option; supervisors debated whether to compare to a sergeant, lieutenant or higher command officer in the Iowa State Patrol. “That means that the salary of our sheriff could go to $108,208,” the chair said while explaining his averaging method. Other supervisors proposed alternative approaches and figures; the group ultimately agreed on a final figure by motion.
By motion, the board set the sheriff’s salary at $111,500 for FY2026–27 and approved corresponding increases for other elected officials that the board listed in the adopted resolution (the motion recorded increases for treasurer, recorder and auditor consistent with the board’s agreed figures). The board discussed the budgetary impact and noted concerns about county revenue trends and property-tax implications, but members said they were balancing statutory obligations, retention concerns and affordability for taxpayers.
The resolution passed by recorded roll call. Board members also discussed a plan to document the comparables and methodology so the county can demonstrate how it arrived at the numbers if questioned. The action takes effect for the 2026–27 pay cycle; supervisors said they would monitor budget impacts and discussed potential follow-up on deputy and staff pay tied to elected-official decisions.
The board recorded the motion and carried the resolution by majority vote.
The next administrative step is to publish the adopted salary schedule and update payroll lines for the upcoming fiscal year.
