Ottawa County Officers' Compensation Commission

The Ottawa County Officers' Compensation Commission convened on June 4, 2026, to discuss and finalize salary adjustments for county officials for the years 2027 and 2028. The primary focus was on determining cost of living adjustments (COLA) and base salary increases for various elected positions, including the Board of Commissioners, Prosecutor, Sheriff, Treasurer, Water Resources Commissioner, and Road Commissioners. The commission debated whether to express increases as percentages or fixed dollar amounts, ultimately favoring clear, flat dollar figures to avoid ambiguity and potential legal challenges. They agreed on a 4% increase for 2027 and 3% for 2028, with motions passed to adopt the salary schedule as detailed in a prepared spreadsheet (Exhibit A). The commission authorized the chair to submit their determinations to the Board of Commissioners for approval, with plans to finalize and distribute the official letter promptly. Additionally, the commission discussed aligning their meeting cycle with the Board of Commissioners' four-year terms in the future, reflecting changes in state law.