Hubbard County approves multi-year union contracts with pay increases

Hubbard County commissioners voted to approve seven negotiated union contracts after an administrative update on compensation and benefits.

County administration told the board the contracts include a 4% wage increase in 2026 (retroactive to Jan. 1) followed by 3% increases described for 2027 and 2028, and a change to pay-scale steps (adding a step 11 and phasing out step 1 as discussed). The county also will continue to split increases in health‑insurance costs on the county plan for the coming years.

Administration said the county had approved the 2026 budget on the assumption of a 4% increase and that the budget lines were left at 100% to account for the difference between levied amounts and expected labor costs. Commissioners thanked staffing and union negotiators for reaching agreement after a mediation pause earlier in the process.

The board approved the contracts by voice vote. County staff said the contracts will be signed and executed and that benefits and budget implications will be managed through the county's benefits committee and upcoming insurance procurement for 2027.