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Board approves funding to cover retroactive arbitration awards while administration pursues appeals
Summary
The board authorized additional funding related to labor negotiations and retroactive arbitration awards for sheriff’s officers, while county counsel said the administration will appeal certain awards to PERC. Commissioners discussed multi-year labor settlements and potential fiscal impacts.
Essex County commissioners approved two related budget actions to cover increased personnel costs tied to recent arbitration awards and multi-year labor negotiations.
Resolution 19 increases the county’s turnover funding by $250,000 to address negotiated settlements and arbitration liabilities across several bargaining units. Resolution 20 authorizes funding to cover retroactive payments tied to binding interest arbitration awards to county sheriff’s officers for specified years; administration said it would appeal portions of the arbitrator’s decision to the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) but also sought the appropriation in case the appeals are denied.
Administration context: Counsel explained that two binding interest arbitration matters produced awards for certain years (noted as awards covering 2018 and 2019, with additional years still in dispute). "We are appealing those awards to PERC," county counsel said, characterizing the appeal as permitted by statute and noting PERC must issue a decision by September under statutory timetables. County staff characterized the increased appropriation as a prudent funding step given potential liabilities.
Why it matters: The appropriations affect county operating costs and could be material depending on arbitration outcomes and appeals. Commissioners asked for a snapshot of outstanding cases, years affected and where appeals are pending; administration said it will provide additional details and is prepared to fund awards if appeals are denied.
Vote and next steps: Commissioners voted to authorize the funding; the clerk recorded the roll call and the motions carried. Administration indicated it will pursue appeals while maintaining funding readiness and said it will report back on case status as appeals move through PERC.
