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Harford County Council approves binding arbitration measure after hour‑long debate, 6–1
Summary
Council passed Bill 25‑012 to add binding arbitration as a final remedy for breaches of signed memoranda of agreement; proponents said it protects employees' contract rights, opponents warned of cost and reduced local oversight. Vote: 6 in favor, 1 opposed.
The Harford County Council approved Bill 25‑012 on final reading after extended debate, adopting binding arbitration as a potential final step for resolving alleged breaches of signed memoranda of agreement.
"Binding arbitration is an extremely rare process to even get to in labor relations," Councilman Bennett said in support, arguing the measure would help ensure that memoranda remain enforceable and balance power between employees and management.
Council member Imhoff described a difficult meeting with county HR that convinced her the bill belonged on the dais; she said she had pursued alternatives before supporting the measure. Opponents, including Council member Jan Giordano, warned the change was not cost neutral and could shift dispute resolution out of local forums such as the Personnel Advisory Board. Giordano said outside arbitrators could be expensive and come from outside the county.
County counsel explained the change would not alter the existing negotiation process or disciplinary grievance procedures, but would add an optional binding arbitration step after internal grievance processes and the Personnel Advisory Board, potentially avoiding circuit‑court appeals. Counsel said specifics — such as how an arbitrator is selected or who pays — are expected to be negotiated between the parties.
In roll call votes read aloud by the clerk, six council members voted in favor and one (Jan Giordano) voted against. The clerk announced the bill as finally passed.
