Commissioners approve 5% raise for elected officials, change longevity schedule (Resolution 23-75)

Yellowstone County commissioners approved Resolution 23‑75, which sets elected officials’ base salaries for fiscal year 2024 and adjusts longevity pay timing.

Scott Twyto, county attorney and chair of the county compensation committee, presented the committee’s recommendation: a 5% increase to base salaries for elected officials (not including longevity) and a revision to pay longevity after four years rather than five. Twyto said the committee prepared salary schedules including a 3% alternative but members present voted unanimously in favor of the 5% schedule, citing comparability with community wages and prior symbolic raises to elected officials.

Commissioners noted the change aligns with other non‑union county raises and that longevity timing was adjusted because most elected officials serve four‑year terms. The motion to approve Resolution 23‑75 was made and passed by a 2‑1 vote as recorded in the meeting.

According to the presentation, attachments to the resolution include salary schedules and impact tables; the recording indicates the resolution passed and that the sheriff’s contract on the agenda is contingent on the elected‑official salary action.