ELECTED OFFICIALS COMPENSATION HEARING

Tuesday June 10, 2025

ALL PRESENT:  Scott Twito, County Attorney; Commissioner’s Ostlund, Morse and Waters; Jeff Martin, Clerk and Recorder/Surveyor/Auditor; Mike Linder, Sheriff; Judge Carter; Oscar Heinrich and Billie Ruff, Citizens; Jen Jones, Finance Director.

Mr. Scott Twito, County Attorney opened the meeting and had everyone introduced themselves.  Ms. Jen Jones, Finance Director handed out spreadsheets with a 2½%, 3% and 3½% increase. Ms. Jones noted stated that on Attachment C showed the Justice of the Peace’s salary which went from 80% to 90% of the District Court salary.  Ms. Jones noted that CPI is 2.9%.  It was also noted that longevity goes into effect on the 4^th of employment instead of the 5^th year.  Sheriff’s coroner pay is put into the Sheriff’s base pay.  Mr. Twito ask.  Commissioner Ostlund asked Ms. Jones to explain how the Sheriff’s base salary impacts the Sheriff’s Deputies.  Ms. Jones stated that the deputies will receive 73% to 80% of the Sheriff’s base salary.  Ms. Jones also noted that the Sheriff’s longevity does not impact the Sheriff’s Deputies.  Senate Bill 236 allows for revising County Detention Officer salaries; providing that Detention Officers receive longevity payments similar to Deputy Sheriffs and Undersheriffs; superseding the unfunded mandate laws.  Ms. Jones stated that we must pay back longevity pay.  Ms. Jones noted that this will cost approximately $50,000 because it affects 16 positions.  Commissioner Waters asked how our wages compare to other law enforcement entities.  Mr. Twito stated that are comparable to other law enforcement entities.  Mr. Oscar Heinrich, Citizen asked what wage increases are being given to union and non-union employees.  Ms. Jones stated that it is approximately 3.65%.  Ms. Billie Ruff, Citizen noted that last year the compensation committee looked at increases of 4% and 5%.  Mr. Twito noted that last year was a catch-up year.  Mr. Heinrich stated that 3% looks reasonably.  Commissioner Ostlund agreed with Mr. Heinrich.  Commissioner Waters asked what the affect of 3% would have on the deputies.  Ms. Jones stated about 3.65%.  Mr. Heinrich stated that it bothers him that the deputies are tied to the Sheriff’s salary.  Judge Carter had no comments.  Mr. Twito asked if there were any other comments.  Hearing no other comments Commissioner Morse made a MOTION to adjourn the meeting, Commissioner Ostlund seconded.  Passed Unanimous.  The meeting was adjourned at 10:28 a.m.

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