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Richland County adopts 2026 budget at 95.94 mills, approves targeted pay adjustments
Summary
The Richland County Board of Commissioners adopted a 2026 budget at 95.94 mills and approved targeted pay adjustments: a 2.7% COLA for most employees and a step (about 4.7%) for those who would otherwise see reduced take-home pay due to higher insurance costs.
Richland County commissioners adopted the county's 2026 budget at a rate of 95.94 mills during their Sept. 16 meeting, approving the plan on a unanimous vote.
Auditor/Administrator Sandy Fossum told the board she revised proposed salary increases to reflect the commission's direction, presenting two cost-of-living adjustment scenarios: 2.7% and 3.25%. Fossum said those projected to have lower take-home pay next year because of increased insurance rates would receive an additional step on the pay scale (about a 4.7% increase), while other employees would receive a 2.7% COLA.
Commissioner Nathan Berseth moved to adopt the budget as presented; the motion was seconded and passed on a unanimous voice vote. All five commissioners listed as present (Tim Campbell, Terry Goerger, Nathan Berseth, Rollie Ehlert and Perry Miller, who participated by phone) voted in favor.
The approved levy of 95.94 mills will fund county operations and the pay adjustments outlined by Fossum. Fossum told the board she had applied the two COLA scenarios at the commission's request and made the step adjustment so employees whose take-home pay would otherwise fall would not be disadvantaged.
The board did not amend the budget during the meeting. The county will follow its normal procedures for implementing the approved pay changes and any related payroll adjustments.
