BREAKING NEWS: The Porter County Council has just approved a significant budget for 2026, including a $2,000 raise for most county employees. This urgent decision was made during a council meeting on Monday evening and is poised to impact the livelihoods of many workers in the area.
The total budget amounts to $181.2 million, with $50.6 million allocated to the General Fund. Notably, the Sheriff’s Department will also receive $2,000 per officer, although the distribution of these funds is at the department’s discretion.
In addition to the raises, the council has introduced a new longevity pay structure that increases the bonus from $75 to $120 per year of service, starting after three years. This change marks the first adjustment to the longevity bonus since 1990, highlighting a long-overdue effort to improve employee compensation.
“I’m pleased that we’re able to address it,” stated Councilman Mike Brickner, R-At-Large. However, the vote was not unanimous. Councilman Jeremy Rivas, D-2nd, was the only dissenting voice among the six council members present, arguing that the distribution of raises could leave some employees disadvantaged.
Rivas argued for a 3% across-the-board raise, emphasizing that higher-earning employees—often those with more experience or education—would be at a loss with a flat amount. “We’re punishing them,” he remarked, expressing concern that this approach could create disparities in pay.
Despite these objections, the majority of the council felt confident in the decision, noting that most county employees earn less than $68,000 annually and would benefit more from a flat increase. Councilman Andy Bozak, R-At-Large, echoed Rivas’s concerns about potential pay disparities but ultimately supported the budget vote.
The council’s decision to implement these raises will cost the county approximately $1.2 million. In a related move, an additional $155,325 in dormant funds was also unanimously approved for transfer to the General Fund.
As this budget takes effect, its implications for county employees are expected to resonate throughout the community. The council’s decisions reflect not only financial adjustments but also an effort to address long-standing concerns regarding employee compensation.
Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops. This budgetary decision is sure to spark discussions among county employees and the public alike.
