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Supervisors approve one-time 2% bonus; state increases comp-board COLA to 3.5%
Summary
After debate over fairness and budget timing, the board approved a one-time 2% bonus (flat equivalent ~$1,175) funded from last year's contingency (gross ~$131,000, net county cost about $90,000 after reimbursements). The board deferred a final decision on the state's 3.5% COLA implementation for all comp-board employees until August.
The board spent extensive time discussing two compensation issues: (1) a one-time bonus included in the prior fiscal year budget and (2) a state-driven cost-of-living adjustment for comp-board employees. Staff characterized the items as separate: the bonus is a one-time payment (2% or roughly $1,175 flat equivalent) that would be funded from last year's contingency; the COLA is a recurring salary adjustment with the state increasing the comp-board COLA from 2% to 3.5% effective Aug. 1.
Staff presented cost estimates: the one-time 2% bonus would cost about $131,000 gross, with reimbursement to the county of roughly $41,000 from comp-board funds, producing a net county cost of about $90,000. Board members voiced varying positions about fairness to lower-paid county employees and the timing of state adjustments. Supervisor Williams asked for more numbers and said he could not support the motion immediately, expressing concern for lower-paid staff. "I can't vote for it" was stated on the record by a member raising fairness concerns.
After discussion, Supervisor Jesse moved to approve a one-time 2% bonus for all eligible employees based on last year's payroll, the motion was seconded and adopted by roll call. The board left the larger question of how to handle the state's 3.5% COLA effective Aug. 1 for further consideration and signaled staff could return with details at the August meeting.
