Commission adopts wage study; Commissioner Grund votes against elected-official pay increases

County Clerk Tammi Cox presented Resolution 25-18, which would approve and adopt the county wage study prepared by the Arnold Group. Commissioner Carla Grund said she supported most proposed salary changes but wanted elected positions excluded from the study review and said she was "against an elected official receiving over $10,000.00 in 2026." Commissioner Scott Mortimer said the county and elected officials "have been underpaid for a long time" and argued the commission should follow the completed study. Commissioner Duane Morris said he did not want to continue delaying the matter. The motion to approve Resolution 25-18 was moved by Commissioner Mortimer, seconded by Commissioner Morris, and passed by a 2-1 vote (Mortimer and Morris aye; Grund nay).

Commissioner Grund said she wished to consult with the Arnold Group to determine whether legally the county could remove elected officials from the wage study, and she said she would not vote for the resolution as presented. The record shows no amendment was adopted to separate elected positions; the resolution was recorded as approved and will be reflected in the county personnel and payroll processes as applicable.