Sheridan County approves 5% COLA for most employees, exempts attorneys and certain law-enforcement staff

The Sheridan County Board of County Commissioners voted 3–2 on June 3, 2026, to approve a 5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for county employees, with an amendment exempting positions covered by the County Attorney's budget and law-enforcement positions in the Sheriff/Detention budgets. The amended motion passed with Commissioners Christi Haswell, Nick Siddle and Lonnie Wright voting in favor and Commissioners Mike Arzy and Holly Jennings voting against.

Commissioner Nick Siddle made the original motion for a 5% COLA. Commissioner Siddle's amendment — explicitly excluding employees who were exempted in the Attorney's budget and law-enforcement employees in the Sheriff/Detention budgets — carried 3–2. Commissioner Holly Jennings raised sustainability concerns, noting a 5% COLA could be difficult to sustain in future years without cutting staff. The Board recorded the vote as the meeting moved toward finalizing a Proposed Budget at a later session after accounting adjustments by the County Clerk's Office.