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Commission weighs COLA and rising premiums as health insurance costs climb
Summary
Staff proposed a 2% cost-of-living adjustment with step increases built into the draft budget; commissioners debated raising COLA to 3% to better offset inflation as health insurance premiums are projected to rise around 10%.
County staff told commissioners the draft 2027 budget includes a 2% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) and step increases; the projected cost of living impact is about $479,000. Staff also warned that employer health insurance premiums are expected to rise roughly 10% next year, which will increase employee premium costs and out‑of‑pocket expenses.
Chair (speaker 1) argued in favor of a higher COLA to support staff amid inflation, saying she would be comfortable moving to a 3% COLA. Staff recommended an executive session if commissioners wanted to negotiate details with unions or employee groups, but commissioners agreed to continue discussion in public budget meetings and schedule a dedicated executive session before final adoption if needed.
Staff will bring refined cost estimates and options (2% vs 3% COLA scenarios and health-plan premium impacts) to upcoming meetings so the commission can balance employee compensation goals with levy and CIP priorities.
