BREAKING: The Porter County Council has just approved the county’s 2026 budget during a heated session on Monday evening, featuring a $2,000 raise for most employees. This significant increase is expected to impact the financial landscape of the county as it allocates a total budget of $181.2 million, with $50.6 million earmarked for the General Fund.
The approved raises include a $2,000 increase for officers in the Sheriff’s Department, although officials will have discretion over distribution methods. Additionally, the budget introduces a new longevity pay structure that increases from $75 to $120 per year of service, effective after three years. This longevity bonus, which has not seen an increase since 1990, will be disbursed twice a year in June and November.
Councilman Mike Brickner, R-At-Large, expressed satisfaction with the budget’s provisions, stating, “I’m pleased that we’re able to address it.” However, dissent arose from Councilman Jeremy Rivas, D-2nd, who cast the only opposing vote among the six council members present. Rivas argued that the flat $2,000 raise could disadvantage higher-earning employees, advocating for a 3% across-the-board raise instead.
“We’re punishing them,” Rivas remarked, highlighting concerns that the current structure could create pay disparities. Fellow council member Andy Bozak, R-At-Large, echoed Rivas’s sentiments, stating, “I don’t like the $2,000 flat [amount].” Despite their objections to the distribution method, both Rivas and Bozak ultimately supported the overall budget vote.
The raises are projected to cost the county approximately $1.2 million. In addition, a unanimous decision was made to transfer $155,325 in dormant funds to the General Fund.
As the council continues to navigate employee compensation, the community is left to ponder the implications of these budgetary decisions. The 2026 budget represents a crucial step in addressing employee pay, but ongoing discussions about fairness and equity remain at the forefront of public discourse.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
