Southampton supervisors adopt resolution urging governor to veto state collective-bargaining mandate

The Southampton County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously March 24 to adopt a resolution urging state leaders not to impose a collective-bargaining mandate on local governments.

Supervisor Gillette introduced the resolution, which cites House Bill 1263 and Senate Bill 378 and states the board's opposition to a state-imposed bargaining mandate that would, the resolution says, move decisions on wages and work rules from elected local officials to unelected arbitrators and create an "enormous unfunded mandate" for local governments.

One supervisor described the bills as having passed both chambers and being on the governor's desk. Another warned of the fiscal impact, calling it "the single largest proposed unfunded mandate on the citizens of the commonwealth ever." The board passed the resolution by voice vote and directed that it be transmitted to Richmond.

Why it matters: The resolution is a formal expression of the board's position on pending state legislation and signals concern about potential fiscal and administrative impacts on county operations should the laws be enacted.

The board did not instruct staff to draft local implementing ordinances; the action is a policy statement to state lawmakers and the governor.