Keokuk, IA – Lee County's initial contract offers to its union employees do not include pay hikes for the upcoming fiscal year. The county is proposing a wage freeze for the sheriff's department, the secondary roads department, and the administrative unit for the fiscal year that begins in July. The proposals also call for employees to pay 25% of their insurance premiums, to give up their dental and vision coverage, and to accept changes to the prescription drug plan. Insurance deductibles would also double and employees would have to pay half of the cost of a family insurance plan. In addition, the county wants to alter the grievence process, cut the number of personal days, and gain the authority to change or reduce the workweek. The county's offer to the administrative unit, which includes the Recorder's, Auditor's, and Treasurer's offices, also seeks changes in comp time and sick leave. The initial proposals from the 3 unions call for significant pay hikes, an increase in longevity pay, and changes to the county's retirement policy. Contract negotiations between the county and the unions will now go on behind closed doors.
Lee County Offering No Pay Hikes
