County approves WPPA contract that includes double-time festival pay after months of debate

The Chippewa County Board of Supervisors on March 11 approved a collective bargaining agreement between Chippewa County and the Wisconsin Professional Police Association covering July 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2027, that includes double-time pay for union officers assigned to large summer festivals.

Supporters of the contract, including county staff and union representatives, said the pay provision is a recruitment and retention measure after the number and timing of large events in the county increased. Opponents and festival organizers warned the guaranteed double-time requirement will sharply raise event costs unless the board takes separate steps to offset the charge.

County staff and the union negotiated the agreement over multiple sessions and presented it to the board after executive committee review. The board— discussion focused on section four of the contract governing overtime and event pay. County officials said the union asked for additional compensation because more festivals now fall in…