County chair: Raise puts admin on par with peers
Trempealeau County Chair John Aasen said the decision to give County Administrator Rebecca Glewen a nearly $29,000 raise was made to put her on the same level as others who hold similar positions.
Aasen said that at roughly $121,500 Glewen was previously compensated on the lower end “compared to similar roles in other counties and municipalities.” The county board voted at its regular February meeting to offer Glewen a new contract with a salary of $150,000.
“The recent adjustment brings the salary in line with what is appropriate for the level of responsibility and leadership required,” Aasen said. “Compensation for professionals in similar leadership positions — including county, municipal, schools, and hospital administrators — has become increasingly competitive.”
The county chair pointed to a listing for a Chippewa County administrator which had a salary range between $150,000 and $170,000.
Aasen also noted that county employees were given a six percent raise in 2025 — not three percent as previously reported. However discussion in board meetings indicated that half of that adjustment was because employees weren’t given a raise in 2024.
The motion to offer a contract was approved by a 15-1 vote with Supervisor Andy Todd voting against it. Part of Todd’s argument against the vote — reported in last week’s Times — was that Glewen had agreed to a pay schedule as part of the contract she signed in 2024. That agreement would’ve given Glewen raises in line with county department heads. However, Aasen said that Glewen is allowed to negotiate her own wages as part of the contract.
Aasen said that he understands that the decision “may prompt discussion,” but that Glewen had helped save the county money over the past year.
“The strategic planning, organizational efficiencies, and financial oversight provided by the administrator position have led to tangible benefits for the county, reinforcing the value of the investment in a county administrator,” Aasen said.
