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Ottawa County commissioners propose half-rollout of wage study, 2% COLA to limit tax impact
Summary
Commissioner Carla Grund proposed a 50% rollout of the county wage study in 2026 plus a 2% cost-of-living adjustment, citing a roughly $900,000 cost for full implementation and a preference to limit the first-year salary increase to $535,000. The commission discussed staffing, benefits, and possible mill levy changes.
Commissioner Carla Grund proposed a partial implementation of the countywide wage study for 2026, arguing it would ease the budgetary impact on taxpayers while addressing underpaid positions.
"A 100% rollout of the wage study increased to almost $900,000.00 after adding benefits and potential overtime and payouts," Grund said, and she proposed a 50% rollout paired with a 2% COLA so the county does not absorb a single-year, large tax increase. She also said the commission could reduce the mill levy to 81 if certain cost savings or valuation increases materialize.
Treasurer JoDee Copple reviewed elements of the wage study during the budget discussion and Sheriff Russell Thornton described staffing needs and existing overtime pressures. Grund noted the county realized about $435,000 in additional ad valorem dollars this year, with 80% of that increase coming from utilities rather than residential property.
The discussion weighed several contingencies, including potential lower-cost health insurance from Bukaty and the possibility that hiring an additional dispatcher and deputy this year could reduce overtime. No formal vote to adopt the 50% rollout or a final budget occurred during the meeting; the item remained under discussion.
