Supervisors decline countywide pay policy for reorganizations, retain 30-day notice practice

Wright County supervisors discussed whether to adopt a countywide policy that would allow department heads to set pay after reorganizations and concluded that a single policy would not fit the county’s varied departments.

"It's my recommendation that we do not create a policy on the reorganization," said a supervisor (speaker 1), noting the many operational differences across departments and the county's role in certifying salaries. The board emphasized that any salary reductions would require at least 30 days' written notice to affected employees and still must be certified by the board.

The board referenced prior departmental conversations and said department heads should work with employees on specific situations but must notify the board because supervisors certify salaries. A motion by Ellis, seconded by Rasmussen, was made to table formal adoption of a reorganizational pay policy and the motion carried.

The board did not adopt a standing rule changing salary-certification authority; staff were directed to keep the 30-day notice practice and return further materials if members want a narrower policy at a later date.