County contract with correctional officers hits snag

It could be another year before correctional officer contracts negotiated by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 61 go into effect.

Jefferson County Supervisor Dick Reed expressed doubt about completing negotiations before the March 15 budget deadline during this morning?s board meeting. County auditor Scott Reneker said Steve Siegel, a representative with AFSCME Council 61, has requested the supervisors seek an extension for certifying the budget or postpone negotiations until next year as long as no benefits will be reduced.

At this point in the process, a committee has authorized the county attorney to communicate with Siegel. Reed said the committee will be looking to interview at least two experts in labor negotiations to assist the county through the process.

In other business, the supervisors signed a 28E Agreement with Fairfield for resurfacing roughly 3 miles of Pleasant Plain Road, about 1,500 feet of which fall within city limits.

The project will involve grinding the top few inches of roadway to create a new smooth surface that will then be covered with a new layer of hot mix. County engineer Tom Goff said the project will be part of the Surface Transportation Program, which provides federal funds for 80 percent of the project.

The project will be let this summer and completed this year.

The supervisors also met with Greater Fairfield Area Habitat for Humanity representatives John Loin and Coralie Brook.

For the complete article, see the Monday, Feb. 7, 2011, printed edition of The Fairfield Ledger.