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Seward County OKs internal health department budget restructure and 7% wage increase
Summary
The Seward County Commission approved a 2026 internal restructuring of the health department budget that funds a 7% across-the-board wage increase for health staff while remaining within the county's approved personnel allocation, county and health department officials said.
Bree Greason, director of the Seward County Health Department, asked the commission May 18 to approve an internal reallocation of already-approved 2026 personnel funds so the department could grant a 7% wage increase to all health staff without asking for additional county money. "I'm proposing that with the available funding, we be redistributed to all health department staff with a 7% wage increase," Greason said during the meeting.
Greason told commissioners the change keeps the department within its approved personnel services budget, leaving roughly $2,606.46 under budget for the year after the adjustment, and preserves the ability to hire two open RN positions. She said the department would also cross-train staff and change some duties so essential services continue. Commissioners discussed recruitment pressures and agreed the move was similar to a recent sheriff's department restructure. The motion to approve the health department budget restructuring and adopt the proposed wage breakdown passed on a voice vote recorded in the transcript as five'0.
The wage plan drew public scrutiny earlier in the meeting when resident Rick Madden spoke during public comment about public records listing a "Bree Greason" with a 2024 Seward County salary of $107,446 and suggesting large historical raises. Greason responded at the hearing, saying, "I have not had a 128% or $60,000 increase to my wage since I started this position," and disputed the figures Mr. Madden cited.
Greason also explained that extending clinic hours or reopening some services would cost more than wages alone; she estimated that offering Friday hours under the raise would add roughly $137,000 in wages (exclusive of benefits and supplies). Commissioners authorized the restructure and asked staff to proceed according to the plan presented. The item was approved as part of the regular agenda and recorded in the meeting minutes as adopted by the commission.
