COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Anger over a back pay issue involving two members of the Branch County Sheriff’s Department came to the boiling point during a one hour grievance hearing that was held before the Branch County Board of Commissioners on Thursday.
Court Security Officer Carl Sevidal and Deputy Steven McManamey filed the grievance. They are being represented by the Police Officers Association of Michigan. McManamey is the local President of the P.O.A.M..
This is not the first time the union and the county have clashed. The P.O.A.M. filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the county in 2016. It was withdrawn after a settlement was reached.
The latest pay dispute centers around job assignments involving Sevidal and McManamey.
Dave LaMontaine from the P.O.A.M. and County Attorney Bonnie Toskey both presented their sides of the dispute during the hearing.
Toskey said the dispute has nothing to do with job performance.
LaMontaine said her interpretation of state law was inaccurate.
Branch County Sheriff John Pollack expressed his support for Sevidal and McManamey during Thursday’s hearing. Commissioners have up to 15 days to make a decision on the grievance.
All of this will help recruit new deputies, right?