Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Labor Negotiations Sheriff topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Palo Alto County supervisors, Teamsters exchange initial FY27 sheriff bargaining proposals
Summary
The Palo Alto County Board of Supervisors met in a special session Jan. 13 to receive initial FY27 bargaining proposals from the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office Employee Association, represented by Teamsters Local Union 238. The union presented an opening proposal and the board offered a counterproposal; terms remain under negotiation.
The Palo Alto County Board of Supervisors convened a special session at 1:00 p.m. Jan. 13 at the courthouse in Emmetsburg to receive initial FY27 collective-bargaining proposals from the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office Employee Association. Linus Solberg, chair of the Palo Alto County Board of Supervisors, presided.
Attorney Brent Hinders of Hopkins & Huebner presented the union’s opening proposal on behalf of Teamsters Local Union 238; the board responded with a counterproposal during the session. The record states, "Initial proposal is on file in the Auditor’s Office." No formal vote on any contract terms or salary adjustments was taken during the special session.
Supervisor Ron Graettinger moved to approve the meeting agenda for Jan. 13, 2026; Supervisor Keith Wirtz seconded and the motion carried with all five supervisors recorded as voting yes. The session concluded after a motion to adjourn carried unanimously.
Representatives recorded as present for the bargaining meeting included Brent Hinders and James Theobald (attorneys), Artie Jones and Quan Goodman (Teamsters Local Union 238 representatives), employee representatives Marie Jensen and Matt Veon, and County Sheriff John King. Diane Weiland of the Reporter/Democrat was listed as present for the proceedings.
The proposals presented at the meeting are on file in the auditor’s office for public inspection; the transcript does not specify wage figures, proposed benefits, or any implementation dates. Further bargaining sessions or follow-up actions were not noted in the meeting record.
