Vernon County Board approves two-part cost-of-living increase for county staff

The Vernon County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 15 approved Resolution 2023-49 to provide a two-part cost-of-living adjustment for nonunion county employees: a 5% increase starting with the first full payroll in September 2023 (to be funded with ARPA dollars) and a second 5% planned as part of the 2024 budget. The amended plan, which also directs the county to pursue moving capital outlays to the debt levy when needed to create operating capacity, passed on a ballot vote, 14 ayes, 4 nays, 1 absent.

Board debate focused on how to pay for the increases and whether percentage raises or a flat dollar bump would better help lower-paid staff. Administrative Coordinator Cassandra Hanan told the board the county’s consultant estimates Vernon County is "18-20% behind in the wage market," and said accurate market data and timely action are important to improve retention. Supervisor Alycann Taylor argued the board must "invest in the people we hire" to stop a costly turnover cycle, while Chair Lorn Goede expressed concern about repeated borrowing and potential debt accumulation.

An amendment that set the first 5% increase to begin in September 2023 using ARPA funds and the second to be implemented as part of the 2024 budget passed on an earlier ballot (13 ayes; 5 nays; 1 absent) and the final amended resolution passed later in the meeting. Those recorded opposing the final vote were Supervisors Beitlich, Semke, Goede and Bringe; Supv Wilson was absent. The resolution directs the administrative office to update the nonunion wage scale and payroll system to effect the increases.

What happens next: the board’s change requires implementation by county payroll and budgeting staff; the second increase will be subject to the 2024 budget process and the board’s planned approach to moving capital items to the debt levy if necessary.