Committee recommends three‑year labor agreement for public defenders' attorneys

The Kent County Finance & Infrastructure Committee recommended that the Board of Commissioners approve a three‑year collective bargaining agreement with the Technical Professional and Office Workers Association of Michigan (TPOAM), covering 35 non‑supervisory attorneys in the public defender's office.

Staff said the agreement runs March 26, 2026, through December 31, 2028, and carries several substantive changes: the greater of a 3% across‑the‑board wage increase or the management pay plan increase in 2027 and 2028 for employees hired on or after Jan. 1, 2026; rescheduling of step increases to six months after hire and every 12 months thereafter for new hires (employees hired earlier keep their early January step timing); the PTO cap rising from 80 to 120 hours; vacation cap increasing from 280 to 300 hours; and elimination of optional employee‑paid supplemental life insurance coverage for spouses and dependents. Staff reported all 2026 costs associated with the agreement are included in the indigent defense fund budget.

Vice Chair Hildebrand moved the recommendation; Commissioner Coleman supported the motion. There were no substantive questions or requests for changes from committee members, and the committee approved the recommendation by voice vote. The item will appear on the full board agenda for final action.