McLeod County’s negotiations with its labor unions took the better part of a year, but they’re finally wrapped up — for now.

The County Board ratified contracts Tuesday (Aug. 5) with law enforcement unions for sergeants, communication and correctional officers, deputies, non-licensed sergeants and social services employees.

The contracts, effective Dec. 23, 2007, to Dec. 18, 2010, are similar to two contracts approved with highway and clerical Teamsters unions in May.

As in May, negotiators on both sides were grateful to have reached a deal, but recognize a need for more work in the future to bring McLeod County employees’ pay and benefits in line with those of neighboring counties.

Board Chair Grant Knutson believes the county should prioritize re-rating wage scales in the departments that are most out-of-step with comparable counties.

“I think we’re glad it’s over with at this point,” said Dolly Johnson, a records and communications officer with the sheriff’s office and Law Enforcement Local Union 83 steward.

“We’ve been neglected for so long here, we’re still way behind,” she added. “I understand it’s hard for the county to rectify all the wrong that’s been done in the past … especially right now when the economy’s not so hot. We still have issues to deal with, but we appreciate their effort.”

For more on this story, see the Leader's Aug. 12 print edition.

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com [2])