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Board approves COAM/POAM contracts for 2026–2028 after brief wage-differential discussion
Summary
The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners approved COAM and POAM union contracts covering Jan. 1, 2026–Dec. 31, 2028; commissioners discussed a wording change to lieutenant pay differentials, which county staff described as a housekeeping change that does not alter approved wage outcomes.
The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners approved COAM and POAM union contracts for Jan. 1, 2026 through Dec. 31, 2028 by voice vote at its July 13 meeting.
Brenda, the county controller, told commissioners the version presented contains a wording change made during the union-signing process: the lieutenant pay differential was restated as a 10% spread across steps rather than the 7%/9%/10% pattern the board reviewed earlier. Brenda and legal counsel (Nate Wolf was identified in the discussion) said the change was intended as a housekeeping clarification and that the wage steps previously approved still produce the same pay outcomes under the new wording.
Some commissioners expressed concern that the wording change was not routed back through the board before finalization; others said the resulting wages are unchanged and the revision simply reflects how the differential will read going forward. Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the contracts as presented and allow signatures; the motion was supported and carried by voice vote.
The contracts were approved and commissioners allowed signatures to finalize the agreements.
