Communications commission approves 3% pay increase after staff wage presentation

The Marshall County Communications Commission voted to set a 3% pay increase for communications staff after a presentation on staffing pressures and wage comparisons at its Dec. 12, 2024 meeting at the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.

Rhonda Braudis told the board that calls for service increased by “almost over 17,000” between January–November 2023 and the same period in 2024 and that the center’s new Quality Assurance process now reviews 100% of phone calls. Braudis said she had requested a 5% raise but sought the board’s recommendation instead. She told the board that “the cost difference between 3% and 5% raises would be approx. $43,000.”

Board members discussed competing priorities: several trustees emphasized fiscal restraint while noting retention pressures. Cynthia Mansager pointed to regional averages and said raises around 3% were typical in the area. Craig Pfantz moved to modify the raise recommendation to 3%; Dale Thompson seconded the motion. A roll-call vote recorded all ayes and the motion carried.

The decision will be implemented through the commission’s budget process; board members noted potential levy impacts and said they will monitor funding projections and any county levy changes before future staffing decisions.