Supervisors hear recommendation of 10-12% salary increases for County elected officials, approve 2.5% increase for Board of Supervisors members

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, February 20 to address a full agenda of matters including the consideration of setting dates and times for Supervisors meetings at public libraries throughout the county, consideration of the Compensation Board’s Fiscal-Year 2024 recommendation for elected officials’ salaries and the consideration of a letter seeking an opinion from the Iowa Attorney General. The meeting was called to order by Board Chairperson Dan Byrnes with Supervisors Dennis Keatley and Mark Reiser present.

During Public Comment, Executive Director Val Reinke with Allamakee County Economic Development (ACED) provided an overview of recent and upcoming events within the county. Reinke noted the Busch Light Curling event in Lansing and the Oneota Film Festival showing of “John - The Last Cowboy” at the Town Theater in Waukon both took place over the weekend. She also discussed recent and upcoming Northeast Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund meetings.

Reinke provided details relating to a meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 23 relating to the direction and planning for ACED with a cross section of professionals from various industries and businesses to participate and provide feedback. She also discussed the Allamakee County Community Foundation Grant and provided a reminder about the Sunday, February 26 Ukrainian Day and Open House at Lansing Office and Kitchen Works to feature Ukrainian cuisine and culture. Reinke also spoke about live music scheduled in Lansing and upcoming community events in New Albin coordinated by the New Albin Improvement League (NAIL).

The meeting moved into the consideration of a request relating to the Iowa Attorney General’s opinion. Allamakee County Attorney Anthony Gericke discussed guidance from the State of Iowa relating to county hospital assets and liabilities. Gericke noted that guidance written in the late 1970s may contradict the current stance or wishes relating to this matter by the Iowa Legislature. He added that he is requesting that the Supervisors sign a letter requesting review of the matter and an opinion from the State of Iowa Attorney General. The Supervisors approved to send this signed letter as recommended.

Allamakee County Auditor Denise Beyer and the Supervisors discussed setting dates and times for Board of Supervisors meetings at community libraries within Allamakee County and at the Allamakee County Veterans Museum in 2023. It was noted that these meetings have been scheduled in the past for the first or third Monday of the month during the June through November timeframe. Following discussion, a schedule for visits taking place the third Monday of each month was approved, including the County Veterans Museum in Waukon in May, the Waterville Public Library in June, the Harpers Ferry Public Library in July, the New Albin Public Library in August, the Lansing Public Library in September, the Postville Public Library in October and the Robey Memorial Public Library in Waukon in November.

The meeting moved into the consideration of the Compensation Board’s Fiscal-Year 2024 (FY24) recommendation for elected officials’ salaries with Jane Regan of the Allamakee County Compensation Board providing an overview of the matter. Regan noted that the Compensation Board met January 13 with the County’s elected officials including the Board of Supervisors. She noted that at this meeting, the elected officials presented information relating to their responsibilities and duties per State of Iowa Code in serving residents of Allamakee County.

Regan advised that the Supervisors have voted to not accept a salary increase over the last several years but that an increase is being recommended by the Compensation Board in keeping elected official salaries competitive and to continue to attract individuals with backgrounds in education and experience in business and industry. She further discussed that the Compensation Board reviewed salary trends taking place in the private sector and in the public sector while also noting the work performed with integrity and continued education by elected officials in serving county residents.

As part of the Compensation Board’s research, Regan noted that there is a significant difference between elected official salaries in similar-sized Iowa counties and in comparison to the private sector which can impact attracting candidates to run for public office in addition to recruiting their support staff. Regan noted that the Compensation Board is recommending a 12 percent raise for the Allamakee County Sheriff and a 10 percent raise for other County elected officials.

Byrnes noted that in budget discussions, the Supervisors have discussed their salary level with a Resolution drafted to include a 2.5 percent raise for the Supervisors. Byrnes discussed that the zero percent raise approved over the last few years has resulted in the Allamakee County Supervisors salaries falling below comparable counties within the state of Iowa, with Allamakee ranking 57th in population within the state but 92nd in salary level for elected officials.

Byrnes advised that the 2.5 percent increase is below what has been recommended by the Compensation Board. The Supervisors approved the Resolution for the FY24 salary for the Board of Supervisors with adjustments to include the salary level of $30,220 at a 2.5 percent increase.

Under Department Head Updates, Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour further discussed salary trends and also commented on inflationary trends affecting material costs. Ridenour discussed several matters relating to road maintenance and intersections on Forest Mills Road and Waterville Road in conjunction with planned improvements to be continued on State Highway 76 south of Waukon.

Ridenour discussed ongoing work by the contractor involved in the Alliant Energy Lansing Generating Station closure and other associated matters, including the coordination of items related to excavation of a borrowing pit used to fill the settling ponds at the power plant location. Ridenour noted that the next Six County Meeting is scheduled for later in the week and will take place in Decorah. He also talked about road rock application to take place later this year.

Allamakee County Conservation Director Jim Janett discussed the installation of a new aquarium at the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center in Lansing to take place soon. He noted the Allamakee County Conservation Foundation’s (ACCF) involvement in fundraising for that project.

Beyer noted that budget work continues. Prior to adjournment, the Supervisors moved into a budget work session.