Compensation Board recommends 7 percent increase for elected officials

   During the Jan. 2 Jones County Supervisors meeting, the board voted to place on file a recommendation from the Compensation Board regarding elected officials' salaries for Fiscal Year 2025.

   On Dec. 18, the Compensation Board met at the courthouse. Those serving on the board include:

   • Mike Deutmeyer representing the Sheriff

   • Jason Kurt and Cindy Bagge representing the Supervisors

   • John Harms representing the Auditor

   • Deb Bowman representing the County Attorney

   • Nels Petersen representing the Treasurer

   • Abram Tubbs representing the Recorder

   All elected officials met individually with the Compensation Board.

   A 3-4 motion failed to recommend 8 percent wage increases for Attorney, Sheriff, and Auditor; and 6 percent for Treasurer, Recorder, and Supervisors. Those opposed were Tubbs, Petersen, Kurt, and Bagge.

   A 4-3 motion passed to recommend to the board of supervisors a 7 percent wage increase across the board. Those opposed were Bagge, Deutmeyer, and Kurt.

   With this recommendation, the County Attorney, with a current salary of $127,810.50 would have an annual compensation of $136,757.24. The Sheriff, with a current salary of $131,158.16 would have an annual compensation of $140,339.23. The Auditor, with a current salary of $81,113.49 would have an annual compensation of $86,791.43. The Treasurer, with a current salary of $79,601.27 would have an annual compensation of $85,173.36. The Recorder, with a current salary of $76,782.59 would have an annual compensation of $82,157.37. The Supervisors, with a current salary of $33,875.16 would have an annual compensation of $36,246.42.

   No action was taken on the Compensation Board's recommendation.

In other county business:

   • The board denied a wage increase for Senior Dining Director Lisa Tallman, for an extra dollar an hour.

   Supervisor Ned Rohwedder commented that the board typically considers such requests during budget time.

   "I appreciate her service, but it's not something we can get into," added Supervisor Joe Oswald of the timing. "It's a slippery slope."

   The board's denial is for the time-being until they start to review and approve the next fiscal year budget.

   • The board approved a Temporary Easement Contract for the 215^th Avenue grading project for $800.

   • County Engineer Derek Snead reminded the board that this time last year, just before budget preparations began, a request for additional contract rock on the gravel roads was made and approved with the use of ARPA funds.

   • Rohwedder updated the board on the hiring of a new Jones County Tourism director.

   He said the selection committee hoped to make a recommendation to the full Tourism Board by the end of the week.