2 Perkins union deals done

PERKINS TWP. — Two union deals down. Two more to go. These past few weeks, Perkins Township administrators came to terms on finalizing a pair of agreements involving a couple of collective bargaining agreements: those involving firefighters and public works employees. Local government officials, meanwhile, still need to get two police-related contracts done in the near future. Here are the known details as provided by township administrator Gary Boyle: Fire contract • Contract length: The three-year deal began on Jan. 1 and runs through Dec. 31, 2028. • Contract employees: This deal impacts 27 full-time firefighters. • Contract raises: Employees can expect to receive three separate 4% raises in each contract year: 4% in 2026, 4% in 2027 and 4% in 2028. • Contract payouts: Just factoring in the raises, local taxpayers can expect to spend about an extra $263,700 during the contract's life. • Contract additions: Firefighters will receive a small increase in contributions going toward their health savings account. This occurred to help offset higher deductibles. Firefighters also obtained an increase of $300 in uniform allowance for a grand total of $1,000. Various non-monetary/contract language clarifications also occurred. • Contract comments, part 1: "Funding for the fire department's operations is (also) through levies previously approved by township voters and by grant funding. The board of trustees and staff very much appreciate the overwhelming support that the community provides by voting to approve those levies every five years." • Contract comments, part 2: "The approval of the (fire union's) contract provides recognition of the important role that our firefighters play in providing public safety services to our community, the basis for retaining and recruiting firefighters and for budgeting certainty during the period of the contract." Public works contract • Contract length: The three-year deal began on Sept. 1, 2025, and runs through Aug. 31, 2028. • Contract employees: This deal impacts six full-time employees. • Contract raises: Employees can expect to receive three separate 4% raises in each contract year: 4% in Year 1 beginning in September 2025; 4% in Year 2 beginning in September 2026; and 4% in Year 3 beginning in September 2027. • Contract payouts: Just factoring in the raises, local taxpayers can expect to spend about an extra $88,600 during the contract's life. • Contract additions: Public works employees will receive a small increase in contributions going toward their health savings account. This occurred to help offset higher deductibles in 2026. Public works employees also obtained an increase of $200 in uniform allowance for a grand total of $875. Various non-monetary/contract language clarifications also occurred. • Contract comments, part 1: "Funding for the public works department's operations is provided through various transfers from the state and somewhat by the (township's) general fund." • Contract comments, part 2: "This contract reflects the value of this group of employees in providing services that enhance the quality of life in our community. It is further noted that the number of employees in this department is significantly less than it was 15 years ago as a result of vehicle and equipment upgrades funded by the general fund." What about police? On a related note, township administrators continue to negotiate outstanding contracts for two other unions, both falling within police operations: • One for patrol officers • Another for sergeants, lieutenants and captains Both contracts expired on Oct. 31, however, in a good-faith stance, police officers are still working and will until all sides reach a new agreement. In other words, they won't go on strike. It's common for first responders to work even after a collective bargaining deal lapses. They just maintain the status quo — such as pay, benefits and working conditions — outlined in the older deal. "Management has continued to meet with the (union representative for) sergeants, lieutenants and captains. Finalizing contract negotiations with that bargaining unit seems very close," Boyle said. Additionally, "Management has had two meetings with the patrol officers' union rep and remains available to continue negotiations, but no meeting has been scheduled since Nov. 18," adding Boyle, believing negotiations will resume sometime later this month. Boyle noted funding for the police department's "important operations" come from levies previously approved by township voters along with grants. "The board and staff recognize and appreciate the approval of levies by township voters that enables the township to provide premier policing services that the community expects and deserves," he said. Amplifying the pay of administrators Additionally, about 15 administrative township employees not covered by a union also received raises. These people work across various departments. They also obtained three separate 4% raises: 4% in 2026, 4% in 2027 and 4% in 2028. Furthermore, two employees — public works director Brad Link and senior code enforcement officer Amanda McClain — will each receive a 10% raise in 2026 and a 4% raise in 2027 and another 4% raise in 2028. These two "did not receive mid-term adjustments when some other staff did last year," Boyle said. Just factoring in the raises, local taxpayers can expect to spend about an extra $148,700 during the contract's life. And like their union counterparts, administrators will receive a small increase in contributions going toward their health savings account. Top 5 earners Here's a look at the top five earners, in terms of salaries, for Perkins employees — whether union or not — entering 2026: • Gary Boyle, township administrator, $141,900 • Brad Baer, fire lieutenant, $133,700 • Eric Pearson, fire captain, $130,700 • Jeff Musser, police chief, $128,600 • Dave Murphy, fire chief, $120,800