Bremer County board approves 2.8% pay increases, multiple fund transfers and two contract renewals

The Bremer County Board of Supervisors approved a handful of fiscal motions and personnel changes in a single session that combined routine business with a substantive debate over the timing of pay increases for elected offices.

The board voted by voice to approve a 2.8% pay increase for newly listed personnel — Maline Freeberg, Mandy Jansen, Caitlyn Sweder and Cayenne Zol — effective June 14. The motion passed after board members questioned whether applying increases before the July 1 start date used by many departments served a public purpose; the treasurer said the increases were tied to workforce‑development funds for fiscal 2027 and to job‑classification findings showing pay inequities. The meeting record includes a written county attorney opinion referenced by a supervisor that limits the board's authority to restrict independently elected officials.

Multiple fund transfers were approved by resolution:
- $450,000 from the General Basic fund to the General Supplemental fund (second half) to supplement levy needs.
- $1,079,719 from the Rural Basic fund to the Secondary Roads fund (second half), a transfer governed by Iowa Code percentages.
- $100,000 from the General Basic fund to the Customer Convenience Center fund to support operations and cash flow; staff warned that the convenience fund is declining and recommended competitive bidding for hauling services as diesel‑price volatility continues.

The board also approved renewing audit services with Anderson Lton for fiscal years 2027–2029 (contract terms noted with modest annual escalators) and renewed a $15,000 contract with Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation for the coming year.

During discussion of the pay increases, one board member characterized the pay change as a COLA, saying, "This is a cola. It's not merit." The treasurer responded that the increases were tied to workforce development and job classification findings and that the office had experienced turnover due to pay discrepancies. Members said they would consider a handbook policy to encourage consistent timing of increases across departments but acknowledged the limitations on imposing timing controls on independently elected officials.

All motions on the consent and fiscal agenda passed by voice vote; the minutes and payment claims were likewise approved. The meeting included brief committee updates and a reminder of a Flag Day event on June 13.

Next steps noted in the meeting record: staff will monitor the customer convenience fund and consider bidding hauling services; the treasurer made underlying data available on request, and the board will retain the county attorney's opinion for guidance on imposing personnel timing policies.

Vote details were recorded as voice votes; specific numerical tallies were not stated in the meeting transcript.