Caledonia Argus

County approves contracts with law enforcement

Posted: 3/25/03

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

The county has reached an agreement with the two law enforcement bargaining units.

The agreements mirror the contract approved earlier this year with the AFSCME union and calls for a four percent raise for 2003 (two percent in the first half of the year and two percent in the second) and a three percent raise for 2004.

In addition, the countyís contribution for family insurance will be $190/month for 2003 and $200 for 2004.

For the deputy unit, additional items include an increase in the uniform allowance from $600 to $635 and an increase in the night shift differential from $0.50 per hour to $0.75. That item was approved for the jailer/dispatcher unit as well.

The agreement also calls for the jail administrator to replace employees who are using vacation or sick time with regular employees whenever possible.

Purchase of front-end loader

approved by board

In other news, the board approved the purchase of a front-end loader for the highway department with new tires and bucket at a net cost of $30,885, which includes tax and trade-in. The county was allowed $109,866 on trade for the front end loader it traded in. Delivery is expected in 60-90 days.

In other news from the highway department, County Engineer Allen Henke reported that bids for paving all came in at under the engineerís estimate.

Mathy Construction bid $604,626.10 for paving on CSAH 3, which is expected to begin in June. The engineerís estimate was $720,046.

For paving on CSAH 20, Mathy bid $335,655. The engineerís estimate was $412,542.

For CSAH 22, the board accepted the bid of Mathy Construction for $290,360. The engineerís estimate was $358,331.

Total for the three paving projects is $1,230,642.

The county also approved the purchase of calcium chloride for the upcoming season. County commissioner Kevin Kelleher noted that providing calcium chloride tot he townships is a service the county provides, but is not required to provide. He suggested that the county consider cutting the expense, which amounts to about $30,000 per year.

Henke commented, ìWe are looking to go ahead with it this year and take a good look at it next year.î

The board accepted bids from Bonanza Grain for crushed rock on CSAHs 3,5B, 11,12,19, 20,22,31, and 32 at a total cost of $59,200; and from Roverud Construction for CSAHs 5A, 8B, 24, and 249 for $27,538.

In regard to hiring summer help to assist in surveying, Commissioner Kelleher said that he would like to see a plan for the highway department and county surveyor to work together to avoid duplication.

ìWhen I am seeing cuts in services to the elderly and health care, highway can step up to the plate.î

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