COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Administrator Frank Walsh told the County Board of Commissioners during their work session on Thursday that new three year tentative contract agreements have been reached with unions representing District Court and Sheriff’s Department employees.
The contract with the Service Employees International Union, Local 517-M, covers 12 District Court employees. Walsh said the most significant modifications include wage increases of four percent in the first year and three percent in the second and third years of the deal.
A total of 31 members of the Sheriff’s Department are covered by the contract agreement with the Police Officers Association of Michigan. The union represents road deputies and corrections officers.
Walsh said the most significant modification is a 21 percent increase in compensation over the next three years.
The same increase in compensation is included in the contract with the Command Officers of Michigan. They represent eight members of the Sheriff’s Department who are Road Sergeants and Correction Sergeants.
All of the agreements begin on January 1, 2026 and were brought forward by Commissioners to next Wednesday’s regular meeting for formal approval.



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