WALLACE — Budget season has arrived for Idaho counties, and Shoshone County commissioners are considering a 3% cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, for employees. 

During a meeting Tuesday with Clerk Lori Osterberg, commissioners divided responsibility for the nine budgets directly overseen by the board and discussed tentative plans for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. 

In addition to their own annual budget, commissioners manage the county’s general fund, waterways, fish hatchery, snowmobile program, historical society, community projects, airport and public defense budgets. 

“They’re small budgets,” Commissioner Jeff Zimmerman said. “Some of them never change.” 

Wages were discussed during the meeting. A recent county wage study identified several departments where pay increases are needed to align with industry standards for similarly sized public entities. 

Commissioners are considering a 3% cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, for employees. They asked Osterberg to prepare one version of the budget that includes the COLA and another without it. 

Zimmerman noted that the county has not yet received final figures for health insurance and benefits, which will significantly affect the final budget. 

In recent years, commissioners have raised taxes by the maximum allowable 3% to balance the budget, even after significant cuts. This year appears to be trending similarly, but Osterberg said a 3% increase would not cover the cost of a 3% COLA or rising expenses. 

According to Osterberg, a 3% increase would generate an estimated $160,000 from taxpayers. 

“That doesn’t even give us enough money to do a 3% COLA across the board,” she said. “That’s not enough for everybody.” 

Commissioners are also handling much of the county’s public works and roads budget while the director position remains vacant. Former director Jessica Stutzke has agreed to assist the board in developing that department’s budget. 

Osterberg said she is beginning to input figures and needs proposed budgets for smaller departments by May 18 so she can review them and present them for board approval. Once those are completed, she will work with larger offices with a clearer understanding of available funds. 

Osterberg aims to complete the process in June and July, allowing her to present a final proposed budget to commissioners by the state’s Aug. 3 deadline. 

The proposed budget must be published for the public by Aug. 17. 

By law, the budget must be adopted by Sept. 8. Osterberg has scheduled a public hearing for Sept. 1, giving commissioners a week to make any necessary changes. 

“That’s why I’m giving us a week, so we’re not up against the wall,” Osterberg said. “Last year we were up against the wall and it was no fun for anybody.”