DEPARTMENT: Human Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Adoption Of 2026 Unclassified Employees Merit Compensation Policy And Plan
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Adopt the 2026 Unclassified Employees Merit Compensation Policy and Plan.
SUMMARY
Each year the County updates the non-union Merit Compensation Policy and Plan. In the context of, and consistent with this Plan, the County also establishes a Merit Compensation Policy and Plan for unclassified employees. This Plan provides a mechanism for the application of County compensation principles of salaries of appointed Department/Division Heads and the County Manager and defines a process for the establishment of Elected Department Heads’ and County Commissioner compensation. A plan document for 2026 is attached.
The proposed 2026 Unclassified Merit Compensation Policy and Plan include an updated Notice of Intent to Decline 2026 Salary Increase (Attachment).
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends approval.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The costs of these provisions are included in the County Manager’s recommended 2026 budget.
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☒ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, market competitive compensation and effective pay policy administration are essential to effective and efficient government; and
WHEREAS, a Dakota County Pay Equity Compensation Structure has been established; and
WHEREAS, the County maintains a process by which Elected Officials’ compensation is determined; and
WHEREAS, the Unclassified Employees’ Merit Compensation Policy and Plan should be updated for application in 2026.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby adopts, for application in 2026, the 2026 Unclassified Employees’ Merit Compensation Policy and Plan:
• the 2026 Pay Equity Compensation Structure recommended to the Board of Commissioners for classified employees, applies to, and is the same for, unclassified employees; and
• the 2026 non-union Merit Matrix provides for five levels of performance with varying merit opportunity based upon performance levels for classified employees is the same and applies to unclassified employees; and
• The non-union 2026 merit matrix and salary ranges are included in the Unclassified Employee Merit Compensation Policy and Plan document for clarity.
; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the participants’ calendar or payroll year 2026 salaries shall be established in the context of and consistent with this Plan; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Human Resources Director is hereby authorized to amend the 2025 Unclassified Employees Merit Compensation Policy and Plan consistent with the above referenced 2026 provisions in Human Resources Policies and Procedures.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: 2026 Unclassified Employees Merit Compensation
Attachment: Notice of Intent to Decline 2026 Salary Increase
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Andy Benish
Author: Andy Benish