Hennepin County Board Backpedals on 49 Percent Pay Raise
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners has backpedaled on plans to give itself a 49 percent raise.
Last week, Irene Fernando, Chair of the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners, proposed raising the board’s salaries from $122,225 to $182,141, effective 2025.
However, she withdrew this proposal on Tuesday afternoon citing pushback from residents.
“It is clear from the feedback we’ve received that even though these actions passed in committee last week, the pronounced feedback results in strong opposition by many residents,” Fernando said.
Other commissioners will now be able to consider compensation plans that may be more “palatable,” Fernando said.
She also withdrew a proposal to give raises to the Hennepin County Sheriff and the Hennepin County Attorney.
Hennepin County Commissioner Irene Fernando withdrew her proposal to give the county board a 49 percent pay raise on Tuesday afternoon.
Initial Proposal
Fernando, who represents parts of Golden Valley and Plymouth, told the board last week that a pay raise is needed to ensure diverse candidates can serve on the board.
“Through an HR lens, salary level has a direct impact on who applies for the role,” she said. “I believe in a county where generational wealth or additional income is not a prerequisite to serving as a Hennepin elected official.”
Commissioner salaries were flat from 2016 to 2022.
On top of the significant increase in 2025, the proposal included a 3 percent increase in 2026, bringing salaries to $187,605.
In the board’s July 30 budget committee meeting, the proposal was approved in a 4-2 vote.
Commissioner Kevin Anderson, who represents parts of Maple Grove and Plymouth, spoke against the proposal.
He said that he feels fairly compensated for the work that he performs despite leaving a well-paying job in the private sector.
“I can’t vote in good conscience for the level of increase,” he said.
