Commission adopts 2.8% COLA for 2027 and approves half-time admin position funding

Riley County commissioners approved a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) across the pay scale for 2027 following policy debate about market competitiveness and pay compression. Britney Phillips, the county budget and finance officer, reviewed the budget adjustments and noted the COLA figure presented was 2.8%; commissioners then discussed alternatives and voted to adopt the 2.8% increase.

The board also approved funding for a new administrative assistant/HR assistant position at 50% of the proposed grade starting July 1 to give the incoming county administrator six months to assess staffing needs. Phillips presented draft numbers and commissioners directed staff to finalize pay-grade placements and to return with more detailed budget models as part of a follow-up discussion scheduled for the next business meeting.