New contract gives many Linn County workers raises of less than 2 percent

A new contract approved today will mean raises of less than 2 percent a year for the next two years for 540 Linn County employees.

The agreement with the county's clerical, maintenance, professional, and para-professional workers calls for 2.25-percent increases each year, but higher health insurance premiums included in the deal reduce the pay hikes, said Lisa Powell, the county's human resources director.

Taking insurance into account, the yearly raises come to 1.97 percent for those receiving single coverage, 1.69 percent for those with family coverage, Powell said. Monthly premiums increase from $20 to $95 for single coverage, from $25 to $105 for families.

The wage and insurance provisions in the three-year agreement with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 231 can be re-opened after two years, but the work rules are in effect through June 2015.

Supervisor Brent Oleson cast the lone dissenting vote as the contract was approved 4-1. Oleson, R-Marion, said he wanted to include a wellness plan in the workers' insurance package to keep the county's costs down.

"That was our number one priority," Oleson said. "Why is that such a sticking point for people?" He noted a wellness incentive is part of the state's AFSCME contract.

"This proposal was a sticking point with this particular employee group," said Assistant County Attorney Gary Jarvis. "I can't tell you why."

Powell said the agreement costs the county an additional $475,775 a year in wages, but saves $75,000 a year on insurance costs.

"I think we can do better," said Oleson. "I'd rather go with a one-year contract and take our chances with the arbitrator."