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Board approves HR handbook revisions, grade change and two‑year agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services Local 440
Summary
The county approved an updated employee handbook, raised the captain position one grade, and authorized a two‑year labor agreement for the sheriff's non‑licensed essential unit with a 3.5% general wage increase in 2026 and 2027 plus added dental coverage and a 50/50 split of Minnesota paid family leave costs.
Blue Earth County commissioners approved a package of human resources actions on Nov. 4, including an updated employee handbook, a grade adjustment for the captain position and a two‑year labor agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services Local 440 covering the sheriff's non‑licensed essential unit of 911 telecommunicators.
Human resources director Laura (presenting) said the handbook revisions align county policies with recent changes in Minnesota employment law, update organizational language and improve clarity and accessibility. Commissioners approved the revised handbook after discussion at a recent work session.
Staff also recommended reclassifying the captain position from grade 9 to grade 10 following the annual review of job descriptions; the board approved that adjustment.
The board also authorized the county board chair and county administrator to sign the two‑year labor agreement with Local 440. The agreement provides a 3.5% general wage adjustment for both 2026 and 2027, adds employee dental coverage for that unit, and splits the Minnesota Paid Family Leave premium 50/50 between employer and employee. Staff said they had discussed but were unable to reach agreement on a three‑year pattern.
Ending: All HR items were approved; staff will execute the labor agreement and update classification and handbook records.
