TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Jennifer Shuler, County Attorney
DATE: August 20, 2025
SUBJECT: Addendum to County Attorney Employment Agreement
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BACKGROUND
On August 20, 2024, the County Commission entered into an Employment Agreement with me, and I started work at the County on September 16, 2024. It has been an honor to serve as your County Attorney. As I approach my one year anniversary with the County, I respectfully request that the Board enter into a contract addendum with me to clarify that I am entitled to an annual progression pay increase consistent with other County employees.
ANALYSIS
Administrative Policy Manual AM-304.1 provides that employees are eligible for progression pay increases on their pay anniversary date. According to the manual, "Approval of a pay progression increase is contingent upon satisfactory performance." Generally, employees become eligible for a pay progression increase upon a satisfactory performance evaluation. The County Administrator and County Attorney serve at the pleasure of the Board of County Commissioners and provide quarterly updates to the Board but have no formal evaluation process. The proposed Addendum to the County Attorney Employment Agreement would clarify that the County Attorney is also eligible for an annual progression pay increase "upon approval by the Board of County Commissioners." Annually this approval can be made by a simple Board agenda item.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Funding in the amount of $7,406 for the pay progression is budgeted and available in the General Fund/County Attorney/Salary & Benefit accounts.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
The County Attorney respectfully requests that the Board approve the attached Addendum to the County Attorney Agreement and also approve an annual progression pay increase for the County Attorney upon her September 16, 2025 employment anniversary.