(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Board of Supervisors in Montgomery County, today (Tuesday), discussed contracted wage increases for the County Engineer and Medical Examiner. Board Chair Charla Schmid said she and Vice-Chair Bryant Amos met with Engineer Karen Albert earlier. She mentioned Albert has not asked for a wage increase in 5-years she’s served as the Engineer, she’s only received the annual increase the County allows. Vice-Chair Bryant Amos made the motion to increase her salary 15-percent for 2026, based on her performance.

Supervisor Mark Peterson said during discussion, that the increase, while deserved, is a big jump compared to the three-percent increase other departments have received. Supervisor Alex Burton agreed.

Burton said a single-digit increase would “be more reasonable.” Karen Albert said she feel’s like she’s accomplished a lot over the years, and that the increase would be fair compared to what counties of a similar size as Montgomery, are offering their engineers.

Montgomery County BOS mtg, 2-11-25

Charla Schmid acknowledged Albert’s contributions to the County.

Supervisor Mike Olsen said the cost of hiring a new engineer would exceed a raise for Albert.

The Board, by a vote of 3-to 2 approved the increase as proposed, bringing Karen Albert’s salary from $127,000 to $146,000, per year. The No votes were made by Supervisors Peterson and Burton. The Supervisors in Montgomery County voted unanimously to increase Brian Hamman’s Medical Examiner wage for 2026 from the current $200 per call to $250.

Hamman doesn’t get paid extra for mileage or weekends, something that Auditor Jill Ozuna said hasn’t changed in years.

Supervisor Alex Burton said the ME might have to wait on scene for hours,

The Board’s next meeting takes place February 18^th.