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Barry County board ratifies deputy sheriff union proposal after closed session
Summary
After a closed-session negotiation under the Open Meetings Act, the Barry County Board of Commissioners unanimously ratified a pre-ratified proposal with the Police Officers Labor Council Deputy Sheriff Unit and authorized the chair to sign a successor collective bargaining agreement upon attorney approval.
The Barry County Board of Commissioners unanimously ratified a pre-ratified proposal with the Police Officers Labor Council Deputy Sheriff Unit on May 12, following a closed session to discuss strategy and negotiations.
Commissioner Jon Smelker moved the board into closed session "in accordance with the Open Meetings Act, Public Act 267 of 1976, 15.268, Section 8c, for strategy and negotiation sessions connected with the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement," a motion seconded by Commissioner David Hatfield and approved 8–0. The board met in closed session from 10:57 a.m. to 11:27 a.m.
After returning to open session, Commissioner David Hatfield moved to "ratify the Union Pre-ratified Proposal dated April 20, 2026, with the Police Officers Labor Council Deputy Sheriff Unit for Barry County and authorize the Board Chair to sign the successor collective bargaining Agreement upon approval as to form by the Barry County Attorney." That motion, seconded by Commissioner Bob Teunessen, passed unanimously.
Sheriff Leaf thanked the board for finalizing the contract and noted his office will continue providing public safety services while implementation details are completed. Administrator Eric Zuzga also thanked commissioners for completing the labor negotiation process and acknowledged Commissioner Smelker’s role in the talks.
The board did not discuss the proposal’s financial terms in the public record at the May 12 meeting; the ratification authorized signature "upon approval as to form by the Barry County Attorney." The county's next regularly scheduled meeting is May 26, when remaining or related items may be placed on the agenda.
