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Calhoun County commissioners approve multiple road contracts, union contract and pay‑scale changes
Summary
At the Feb. 5 meeting the board approved a UAW road collective bargaining agreement, MDOT federal‑aid road projects, a procurement award for cold‑patch material, staffing/pay‑scale updates for public defenders and courts, and claims payable; most votes were unanimous (5–0).
Calhoun County commissioners on Feb. 5 approved a package of contracts, road projects and personnel actions that county staff said are budgeted and necessary to maintain services.
Key votes (all passed 5–0 unless noted):
- UAW Road Collective Bargaining Agreement (agenda item 12b1): The board ratified a three‑year contract for supervisors and office staff in the road department (2026–2028) with wage increases of 3%, 3.5% and 3.5% and added alignment for paid time off and a paid medical/parental leave policy; the contract was implemented retroactive to Jan. 1. County staff said the union had already ratified the agreement. (Motion recorded as moved and seconded on the record.)
- MDOT Federal Aid — Michigan Avenue chip seal (12b2): A roughly $210,000 chip‑seal project in Marengo and Sheridan townships was approved; about 80% is federal aid with a local match of approximately $42,000 already included in the 2026 budget.
- MDOT Federal Aid — Homer Road tree removal (12b3): A safety project in Eckford Township estimated at $392,000 was approved; about 90% funded by federal grant with a $39,000 county match budgeted.
- Bid award RFP‑101‑26 (12b4) — cold patch materials: Commissioners approved a one‑year award to Lakeland Asphalt as the low bidder. Estimated 2026 spend is about $100,000.
- Public defender staffing request (12b7): Board approved a revised pay scale to add a senior assistant public defender grade. Staff said no FTE increase is required; the Michigan Indigent Defense Council grant will cover related costs.
- Court nonunion wage scale update (12b8): The board approved a wage scale change to align senior court attorney pay with other county attorney scales; estimated 2026 general fund impact approximately $23,000 (to be handled in a midyear budget amendment).
- Claims payable: The board approved claims totaling $6,871,716.61 for Jan. 8–Jan. 28, 2026.
County Administrator Scott and department staff provided budgets and funding sources during roll calls; most items were described as already budgeted or grant‑funded. Several motions were approved by roll call after brief staff presentations and limited commissioner discussion.
What's next: Staff will proceed with project procurement and implementation; the county will incorporate court wage adjustments in the midyear budget amendment and implement the UAW contract retroactive to Jan. 1.
