Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Labor Contracts topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Barron County ratifies WPPA contract; board discusses benefits parity and payouts
Summary
The Barron County Board ratified a contract with the Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA) that includes changes to health-insurance contributions and other terms. Board members asked whether police receive comparable fringe benefits to other county employees; staff said health insurance inclusion and other items were negotiated.
The Barron County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 3 ratified a contract with the Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA). The contract, presented to the board after negotiation by the county's WPPA negotiating committee, includes changes to health-insurance contributions and other compensation elements; the board recorded the ratification with a majority vote and commentary from supervisors about benefit parity.
Supervisor Turcotte moved and Supervisor Heller seconded the motion to approve the agreement. Board members asked whether WPPA members receive the same fringe benefits as nonunion employees. County staff on the call confirmed the contract includes WPPA in the county health-insurance plan and that the WPPA contribution moved from $300 down to $100 (matching other employees). Staff also said WPPA receives a higher Wisconsin Retirement System contribution and that sick-leave payout and vacation schedules differ year-by-year in early service years, with some WPPA payouts higher in specified areas.
Why it matters: Labor contracts shape compensation, employee retention and fiscal commitments. Several supervisors asked for clarity that police officers receive comparable fringe benefits. Rachel (on-line staff representative) confirmed health-insurance inclusion and commented the negotiated terms included the health-insurance change the union sought.
Board action and vote: The WPPA agreement, including an administrative amendment to list an absent supervisor correctly in the record, passed by voice/raised-hand vote (29-0 as recorded).
What remains: The county will implement the contract terms through payroll and HR, and staff committed to ensure side-by-side comparisons of fringe benefits (health insurance, sick leave and vacation payout schedules, WRS contributions) remain transparent to the board.
