County Employee's Group responds to negotiations

POMEROY–The Garfield County board of commissioners (BOCC) discussed budget figures for a copier and software and discussed negotiations with the Employee's Group at their meeting on November 17.

The cost of a black and white copier for the treasurer's office was discussed and added to the 2023 budget. The copier is budgeted for under $10,000, and the old one will become surplus sometime in the future. The software discussed will cost $72,000.

The Employee's Group returned to the 2023 wage and benefit negotiations with a proposed cost of living increase of 8%. The commissioners discussed their proposal and all parties agreed upon the importance of coming to a solution that is sustainable and will keep the county financially stable. The commissioners will continue to consider the proposal.

The Garfield County Transit Authority held a budget hearing for their 2023 budget, which received no public comment. No business was conducted, due to a lack of quorum, and the regular meeting was postponed to November 28.