Kenosha County reports tentative successor agreement with deputy sheriffs — raises, extra vacation day and auction-process change

Director of Human Resources Tanda reported to the Kenosha County Judiciary & Law Committee that the county and the Kenosha County Deputy Sheriff's Association have reached a tentative successor agreement that will be brought to the board through the regular budget process.

The tentative agreement covers a multi‑year period (reported as 2026–2028) and includes wage increases and an additional vacation day for certain service tiers. The human resources director described wages as the “most significant” change. The presentation included red‑line language showing vacation accrual changes (for example, employees with four or more years’ service would move from 13 to 14 vacation days and other tiers would gain one day as well). HR also said the contract revises the internal “selection/auction” process used for shift or bid assignments to be clearer and more efficient.

Financials and timing: HR presented that the initial year of the contract generally starts with a 3% wage increase at the beginning of the first contract year, a 1.5% midyear adjustment, and subsequent years with increases described as 2.25% (start) and 1.75% (midyear). HR said the package raises some earlier salary steps more to make starting rates more competitive. HR also said the contract will be included in the county budget process so the full fiscal impact will be calculated during budget deliberations; the department did not provide an overall dollar total at the committee meeting.

Union and bargaining: Attendees identified the bargaining unit as the Wisconsin Professional Police Association local representing sworn deputies and detectives; the agreement does not cover jail civilian staff or supervisory associations. HR noted the contract applies to sworn deputies and detectives only.

Supervisory concerns and responses: Supervisors asked whether the additional vacation accruals will require additional staffing or overtime. HR answered that scheduling practices and command‑level controls handle coverage and that, based on their analysis, the vacation-day increases “do not result in the need to add additional staff.” Several supervisors said they would like the county to perform a data analysis on vacation accruals and overtime exposure before final budget adoption.

Comparables and competitiveness: Committee members discussed local comparables such as the Kenosha Police Department and regional agencies; HR said the settlement is intended to make deputy starting pay more competitive but acknowledged that city police wages can remain higher in some steps.

Next steps: HR emphasized the tentative agreement will be brought formally as part of the budget process for committee and board action; no formal ratification or county board vote took place at this meeting. Committee members requested additional time to review the red‑line language before final action and asked that human resources provide fiscal impact calculations during the budget process.

Votes at a glance: - Approval of minutes from September — motion moved and seconded; carried by voice vote (recorded as multiple “Aye” responses; exact tally and individual names not specified in the transcript). - Motion to adjourn — carried (voice vote); mover and second not specified in meeting record.

The committee did not take formal action on the tentative agreement at the meeting; the human resources director said the agreement will follow the county’s budget timetable for final approval and funding.