Council approves Merit and Corrections contracts amid criticism of bargaining process

The Floyd County Council approved two Sheriff's Department contracts Sept. 10 after heated discussion about the bargaining process and information-sharing among committee members.

Brad Striegel read a statement about the Bargaining Committee and apologized to members of the Sheriff's Department for dysfunction on the council's side, saying committee communications had been insufficient. "He apologized to the men and women of the Sheriff's Department that got caught up in the middle of dysfunction that exists on this council," the record shows.

Council member Jim Freiberger said he raised concerns after the first bargaining meeting and objected when an offer was made by the second meeting without his knowledge; he voted against both contracts. Freiberger said he believed the Commissioners should have negotiated concessions to offset cost increases.

The Merit Officers contract passed 6-1 (Freiberger opposed). After additional discussion on sick-time language in the Corrections contract — including a reading of section 19.2 by Phillip James — the council approved the Corrections Officers contract with a memorandum of understanding clarifying the accrual language. That motion also passed 6-1 (Freiberger opposed).

Officer Cody Brewer thanked the council on behalf of the Merit Officers and bargaining committee for working to reach agreement. The votes conclude the council’s formal action on these contracts for now; implementation steps, including any fiscal impact on county budgets, were not detailed at the meeting.