The Sandusky City Commission on Aug. 25 ratified a collective bargaining agreement between the city and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 1519 covering Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2027.
Staff member Orzech summarized the major terms: “The percentage of wage increases for that bargaining unit is, 3 3 and 3.” He said the contract eliminates step B so affected employees move to steps C through G; the top step (G) was shortened from approximately 10 years to six years to align with police and fire top-out timing. Orzech also said certification payments were increased (an example given in the meeting moved from ‘‘$300’’ to ‘‘$600’’ for the top certification tiers) and longevity payments were adjusted to mirror recent changes in the fire contract.
The ordinance ratifying and approving the contract was presented and adopted under Section 14 of the city charter; commissioners moved and seconded the item and the roll call approved it.
Why it matters: the agreement sets base wage increases and alters the step progression, which will affect payroll and workforce retention across covered city service roles. Staff cited parity with regional water and sewer plants for certification pay increases and said the changes were intended to bring the city closer to neighboring employers.
What’s next: the contract takes immediate effect under the ordinance language approved at the meeting and staff will implement the pay and step changes in payroll cycles.