Eligible Johnson County employees will likely see a higher stipend for 2026 than previously anticipated.

Johnson County department heads presented their budgets to the county council for the second time Sept. 11. Most budgets were passed easily with no or minor changes since first reading and the council approved higher stipends. Council member Melinda Griesemer was absent during the Sept. 11 meeting.

The council advertised up to $133.9 million for the 2026 budget, according to the budget notice. However, what is approved may ultimately be lower.

Guidelines were implemented for the 2026 budget including a year-long hiring freeze and policies aiming to make base salaries more equitable. The guidelines were taken from or inspired by a job compensation and classification study from Waggone

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