Washington County supervisors approve 2.8% raise after debate over budget pressures

WASHINGTON — Washington County employees and elected officials will receive a 2.8% raise next fiscal year after the Board of Supervisors approved the increase Tuesday, Dec. 9 in a narrow 3—2 vote that followed debate over wages and budget pressures.

Supervisor Marcus Fedler, who opposed the raise along with Supervisor Stan Stoops, urged the board to consider the long-term impact of salary increases on the county’s levy rate and its mandated move to a $3.50 per $1,000 of assessed value due to House File 718 which passed in 2023.

“I don’t think there is another question, what does 3 percent do for the overall budget?” Fedler asked. “Where are we at for value increase? What’s that going to do? Be nice to know that.”

The board delayed the initial decision at its Dec. 2 meeting so Stoops could be present for the final vote on Dec. 9. Supervisors ultimately aligned the raise with next year’s federal cost-of-living adjustment, which stands at 2.8%. Last year, the board approved a 2.5% increase for staff and 2 percent for elected officials.

Supervisors spent significant time weighing wage competitiveness against tightening financial constraints. Supervisor Richard Young specifically noted that Washington County must continue competing with larger regional employers, including Johnson County.

“I don't know of a better alternative than what we have, which is to recognize that we have a job market 35 miles to our north, bordering us that would compete with a lot of who we are employee, and in fact, several of their employees up north live in our county,” he said.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that wage growth in Iowa has slowed over the past year, echoing comments raised during the Dec. 2 discussion. One supervisor referenced an article indicating wages statewide “appear to be stagnating,” while others pointed to rising health insurance costs and previously negotiated union contracts that already committed the board to wage adjustments for sheriff’s deputies.

Supervisors also debated how broader structural issues complicate budgeting. Fedler argued that labor costs make up the county’s largest financial obligation and urged leaders across departments to reexamine their operations. He questioned whether across-the-board increases made sense without deeper review.

“If we just give a blanket 3 percent increase to a bigger piece of the pie overall, we’re not doing anything,” he said.

Supervisors also noted disparities in pay rankings for elected officials. Washington County’s elected leaders receive salaries that average ninth highest in Iowa, while the county ranks 27th in population. Fedler questioned whether that level of compensation remained justified.

Despite conflicting views, a majority of supervisors concluded that the county must maintain competitive wages to retain employees and avoid disruptions in essential services. The 2.8% raise applies to all non-union employees and elected officials, with unionized sheriff’s deputies already covered through contract agreements.

The board will revisit budget implications in upcoming hearings as departments submit requests for the next fiscal year. Supervisors said the conversation over long-term financial strategy will continue.

The pay increases take effect July 1.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com