Board approves dispatch position change, agrees to one-time wage adjustment for employee pending MOU

The Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 2 acknowledged a personnel change in the sheriff’s office and discussed a one-time wage adjustment for an employee taking on additional duties.

Sheriff Ryan asked the board to acknowledge moving Nicole Akerson from civil clerk to full-time dispatcher, effective Jan. 19, 2026, with a new rate of $28.12 per hour. Akerson confirmed she understood the change; the board approved the acknowledgement by voice vote.

The sheriff also requested a wage adjustment for Kathy Knudson, who has taken on civil-court duties in addition to dispatch responsibilities. The board discussed whether to open the union contract or issue an MOU for a one-time adjustment. Members voiced support for a modest one-time increase (one supervisor suggested $1 per hour) and directed staff to draft an MOU and consult the union representative. The board agreed to place the MOU on the next agenda for formal action.

No formal contract reopener was adopted at the meeting; staff will return a proposed MOU and any required paperwork for the board’s consideration.