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County ratifies highway union contract, including 3% 2025 increase and split 2026 adjustments
Summary
The board ratified a negotiated highway employee contract covering a 3 percent increase in 2025, with additional 2026 increases split across two dates; the agreement includes modest insurance premium increases and an employer/employee split on a paid family medical leave premium.
County administration presented the negotiated contract for highway employees and asked the board to ratify following a union vote. The contract provides a 3 percent increase in 2025 and a split increase in 2026 (two installments described as a 2 percent split on 1/1/26 and 7/1/26), and adjusts insurance premiums by $25 for single coverage and $50 for family/other plans.
Administration described negotiations over implementation of paid family and medical leave (paid FML). The contract includes a negotiated employer/employee split on the paid FML premium and language intended to preserve minimum staffing for public safety functions. The county also agreed to continue offering optional short‑term disability plans while those markets and state rules evolve.
"This has gone to a union vote...This has gone to a union vote. It's past the union vote. So the last step here is to have the board ratify," administration said. The board moved, seconded and ratified the contract retroactive to Jan. 1, with all commissioners voting in favor.
Why it matters: The agreement sets wages, insurance cost sharing and language on paid FML that will affect county payroll and benefit costs and may influence the budget/levy. Administration said splitting the 2026 increases helps manage levy impacts.
