The Carroll County Commission voted to ratify a three-year collective bargaining agreement for the Carroll County House of Corrections after the union membership unanimously approved the contract.

The agreement, presented to the commission by county staff and corrections leadership, includes a $4 increase in base pay that officials said temporarily puts jail pay ranks second in the state. Superintendent King, speaking for corrections leadership, said the raise and added stipends are intended to retain staff: “the highlights are increased base pay, which is the biggest thing, 4 dollar increase,” and added fitness and education stipends.

Executive Director (unnamed) told commissioners the union voted unanimously to accept the agreement and that the county must now ratify the contract before it goes to the delegation for final appropriations. Commissioners asked whether the increases would significantly affect the budget; staff replied they are “minor” except for the salary changes, which are expected to be the primary fiscal impact.

Commissioner Chandler supported prompt approval, saying the county must keep staffing levels to maintain operations and to continue accepting paying inmates. The commission moved to ratify the contract and voted in favor.

The agreement is now ratified by the commission and will proceed to the delegation for any further required action or appropriation. The county said it will monitor staffing and budget impacts as the contract takes effect.