Board approves one-year extensions for two sheriff bargaining units with 4% raise; commissioners wary of precedent

The Lapeer County Board of Commissioners voted to approve one-year tentative agreement extensions for two sheriff’s units covering 2026, including a 4% wage increase and a new floating holiday.

Personnel committee members framed the extensions as a way to align the sheriff’s units with other county units and to avoid binding arbitration (the transcript references the option of 312/binding arbitration). Administration said the extension includes an additional $10 per month to retirement/medical savings and a 4% pay increase; commissioners said the floating "birthday" holiday was chosen to avoid overtime costs associated with a fixed holiday and to limit additional county expense.

Opponents warned that the extra holiday sets a precedent and will increase future bargaining demands across other county units. Several commissioners expressed concern about long-term fiscal impacts of automatic 4% increases and additional holidays, and urged more board involvement in future negotiations. Supporters said the one-year extension was needed to align contract timelines and stave off arbitration.

The combined motion was approved by roll-call, four to three.

Next steps: Administration will begin broader negotiations for multiple units and commissioners said they expect future bargaining sessions to reflect the board’s concerns about holidays and long-term cost growth.