Policy Number:  27

Title:  Cost of Living Increase

 1.  It is the policy of the Diocese of South Dakota to provide an annual adjustment to the salaries and utilities allowance of all Diocesan employees to reflect “cost of living” increases incurred during the previous year. COLAs are not to be considered raises but rather an attempt to take inflation into account.

 2.  Such “cost of living” adjustments are granted by the Diocesan Council on the recommendation of the budget and Review Committee. The Budget and Review Committee shall take into consideration the realities of the Diocesan budget and make a recommendation as to the percentage amount of increase based on the Consumer Price Index.

 3.  The cost of living adjustment shall be over and above any scheduled raises already provided for by Diocesan policy regarding Mission Clergy Salaries.

 4.  Parishes are urged to follow the policies of granting both cost of living adjustments and an annual longevity increase.