By Casey Jarmes | The News-Review
SIGOURNEY – On Jan. 5, the Keokuk County Board of Supervisors approved 3% pay increase for elected officials to go into effect in 2027. Supervisor Mike Hadley explained that the Consumer Price Index stated that there had been 2.8% inflation in the past year. He stated that the 3% increase was not really a raise, just a continuation of the level officials are currently paid.
“I feel like we can make that work, hopefully, til it don’t. That’s my opinion,” Hadley said.
Hadley stated that he used to always recommend 1% more than inflation, to increase salaries over time, because Keokuk County salaries used to be low. However, he stated that, due to restraints put on the county by the state legislature, he didn’t feel that was possible. Supervisor Kevin Weber stated that, based on what they’re allowed to levy, he can’t see them being able to go above 3% at this point in time. Hadley stated that he believed that Washington County and Jefferson County had both approved raises of 2.8%. Supervisor Daryl Wood stated that the county had received roughly $100,000 in its general fund this year and that the 3% raises would total to around $77,000. He stated there was a little extra in the general fund for increases to line item expenses in different departments, but not much.
In accordance with Iowa law, the Supervisors looked over the salaries other Iowa counties give elected officials before making their decision. County Assessor Drew Sanders asked what data they were using for the comparison, giving population and property tax evaluations as examples. Hadley stated that there wasn’t a direct line in how much counties pay, noting that some smaller counties pay officials more; he stated that the info from the Iowa State Association of Counties was unclear on specific duties of officials, noting for example that Sanders also does GIS work, something not all assessors do.
Prior to 2025, the supervisors were required to meet with a compensation board prior to deciding on wage increases. Following changes in state law, the Keokuk County Board of Supervisors opted to dissolve the board. They did not reinstate it this year. Hadley stated during the Jan. 5 meeting that the compensation board had become redundant, do the state “taking the teeth” out of compensation boards and making it so the supervisors no longer had to follow their recommendations. Hadley stated it was simpler to get rid of the middle-man and discuss things between the supervisors and employees. Wood stated that a few members of the compensation board had come to him and stated they had no clue what the financial means of the county were anymore and asked why they were making recommendations if they didn’t know the county could afford them.
