Commissioners authorize administrator to offer proposed contract to PBA 138 sheriff's unit

The Sussex County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 24 authorized the county administrator to offer a proposed labor contract to the PBA 138 sheriff's unit covering a 2025–2027 memorandum of agreement. The board approved the motion by roll call after a request from the commissioners to implement terms negotiated with the bargaining unit.

The item was introduced under unfinished business and a motion to authorize the administrator to present the proposed contract was made and seconded. Deputy Director Space, Commissioner DeGroot and Commissioner Henderson voted in favor; Commissioner Hayden was absent. Director Chris Carney voted in favor when the roll call was completed.

Why it matters: approving the authorization starts the process that would allow the county administrator to extend a formal offer to the sheriff’s bargaining unit; it does not itself finalize a signed contract. Commissioners described the vote as implementing terms outlined during ongoing negotiations.

What was decided: the board authorized the administrator to offer the proposed contract and memorandum of agreement. The motion carried on the roll call recorded during the meeting.

Discussion and next steps: commissioners discussed that the item originated from prior executive-session negotiations and that the authorization is procedural — enabling the administrator to present the offer to the bargaining unit. No signed contract was presented on the floor; the meeting record shows the board authorized the offering action only.

Ending: The authorization was adopted at the Sept. 24 meeting; any final agreement would require subsequent approval steps and, if executed, appear in future meeting records.