Des Moines County Supervisors Approve Raises, Except for Themselves

Eight percent raise for county attorney's office denied

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors approved 3% raises for county elected officials, except for themselves, during a regular meeting on Tuesday. However, an 8% raise for the county attorney's office was denied by the board.

Why it matters

The decision highlights the ongoing challenge of retaining qualified staff in county government, as the county attorney's office sought raises to align salaries with neighboring counties and prevent staff from leaving for higher-paying positions elsewhere.

The details

Supervisor Jim Cary said he could not justify an additional 8% raise for the county attorney's office after supporting an 18% increase last year. Supervisor Tom Broeker agreed, while Chairman Shane McCampbell added he would have been open to a 4% raise for the department's staff attorneys.

  • The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors approved the raises during a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Jim Cary

A Des Moines County Supervisor who said he could not justify an additional 8% raise for the county attorney's office after supporting an 18% increase the previous year.

Tom Broeker

A Des Moines County Supervisor who agreed with Cary's position on denying the 8% raise for the county attorney's office.

Shane McCampbell

The Chairman of the Des Moines County Board of Supervisors, who said he would have been open to a 4% raise for the county attorney's staff attorneys.

Trent Henkelvig

The Assistant County Attorney who told the board the office is working to align its salaries with those of neighboring counties and prevent staff from leaving for higher-paying positions elsewhere.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

The Des Moines County Supervisors' decision to approve raises for elected officials but deny an 8% raise for the county attorney's office highlights the ongoing challenge of retaining qualified staff in county government, as offices like the county attorney's seek to align salaries with neighboring counties to prevent staff from leaving for higher-paying positions elsewhere.