Franklin County Commissioners reject tentative sheriff bargaining agreement, send parties back to the table

Franklin County commissioners on Tuesday voted to reject a tentative collective bargaining agreement between the Franklin County Sheriff nd the Fraternal Order of Police Capitol City Lodge No. 9 after the supervisors—argaining unit failed to approve the pact.

Theresa Dean, speaking on behalf of the Franklin County Prosecutor nd at the request of Sheriff Baldwin, told the board the deputies—argaining unit ratified the tentative agreement but the supervisors, sergeants, lieutenants and captains did not. Under Ohio law the supervisors cannot be in the same bargaining unit as deputies, and Dean said having two conflicting agreements after decades of a single contract would be —unworkable.

—After decades of having a single agreement, it would be unworkable to have two conflicting agreements governing the workforce,— Dean said, recommending the board adopt a resolution rejecting the tentative agreement.

Commissioners moved, seconded and adopted Resolution 4825, recording —yes— votes from Commissioners O'Grady and Boyce. County officials said the administrator and the parties are prepared to resume bargaining immediately to reach an agreement acceptable to all units.

The action does not set new contract terms; it returns the matter to bargaining between the sheriff's office and union representatives. The county said it is ready to —go back to the table— and negotiate a successor pact.

The board took the vote during a packed agenda that also included presentations on community services, housing and youth programs. The resolution directs staff to support renewed bargaining rather than allow separate inconsistent contracts to take effect.