Tama County supervisors approve temporary 10‑hour summer schedule for some secondary road workers in 3–2 vote

The Tama County Board of Supervisors voted June 15 to accept a proposal from Brett Konicek, president of Local No. 886 of the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America, that lets certain unionized secondary road employees work four 10‑hour days during the summer while other employees remain on a five‑day, eight‑hour schedule.

The motion to accept the schedule was made by Supervisor David Turner and seconded by Supervisor Curt Hilmer. Supervisors Curt Hilmer, Heather Knebel and David Turner voted in favor; Chairman Mark Doland and Supervisor Curt Kupka voted no. The motion carried.

Board members said they had asked Konicek to survey secondary road employees about interest in 10‑hour days and to propose a plan ensuring daily road maintenance coverage Monday through Friday. The board-approved plan identifies which employees covered by the union will work four 10‑hour days and which will remain on five 8‑hour days; a mechanic will be scheduled to provide Friday coverage.

County officials described the change as temporary and tied to summer scheduling needs. No dollar amounts, duration limits, or formal amendment language for the union agreement were specified in the minutes; the union president presented the staffing plan as the basis for the board’s action.

The board did not provide further detail at the meeting about which exact positions would move to 10‑hour days or how overtime and payroll adjustments would be handled. If implemented, supervisors said the schedule would be used to ensure continued road maintenance coverage during summer months.