A Grundy County committee voted to forward a two-year resolution to the full county board recommending pay increases for nonunion county employees: 5% for the first year and 3% for the second.

The committee voted to send the resolution with a positive recommendation after discussion about competitiveness and prior years' adjustments. The motion to forward the resolution was made by Harold Voda and seconded by Mr. Pulizzi; the motion carried with voices in favor.

The resolution in the meeting packet proposes a 5% increase “for next year starting on December 2025,” followed by a 3% increase effective Dec. 1, 2026. Committee members described the two-year structure as a signal that this may be the last year of a repeated 5% increase, but not a binding commitment; several speakers said the board could change the plan if circumstances or board preferences change.

County Board Chairman Jew Muffler and Finance Director Matt Melvin discussed the county’s pay progression relative to broader cost-of-living trends. Melvin had been asked to look at “the progression of the cost of living and standard out in just as a whole” and reported that the 5% increases over recent years have helped make county salaries more competitive.

Committee members noted collective bargaining negotiations underway with three unions, saying those negotiations will factor into overall compensation budgeting. The committee’s vote sends the recommended two-year nonunion salary resolution to the full county board for final consideration and action.

The action recorded at the meeting was a recommendation to forward the resolution to the full board; no final county-board adoption occurred at this meeting.