TROY – Miami County Commissioners approved the provisions from the collective bargaining agreement which involves the wages of employees with the Miami County Sheriff’s Office at their meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 13.

The agreement was between the Miami County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio Patrolmen’s benevolent association bargaining unit A, and the Board of Commissioners. The agreement addresses wages for employees for the next three years (2023, 2024, and 2025).

According to Charlotte Colley, county administrator, the employees will see an increase of $1.50 then a 3% increase in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Information provided by Miami County Sheriff Dave Duchak includes the additional costs the county will see for the next three years. In 2023, there is an expected increase of $276,265.60. In 2024, the additional cost is $92,185.60. Finally, in 2025, the additional cost is expected to be $99,215.40.

The total additional costs expected is $467,666.60.

Duchak said, “I want to thank the board for a very fair and generous economic package that was offered to them. It was appreciated by all of us.”

Commissioner Ted Mercer commented, “This commission has shown the importance of public safety and understanding how hard their jobs are with what they have to deal with on a daily basis. What positive things this can have on our county.”

Then, the commissioners authorized two grants from the educational waste reduction grant program with the Miami County solid waste district. The first grant is in the amount of $1,000 to Concord Elementary for the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery field trip. The other grant is in the amount of $335 to Piqua Catholic School for the stream table kit.

The commissioners also approved the county’s plan of operation and governance involving the natural gas and electric aggregation programs.

Finally, the commissioners authorized the sixth and final release of financial guaranty in the amount of $69,605.20 for the construction of Merrimont Hills. There is $80,286.80 left to “serve as the twelve-month maintenance bond,” according to the resolution.

With that resolution, the commissioners then established three roadways in the Merrimont Hills. The roadways include Horse Trail Way, Mary Manor Drive, and Windy Hill Drive. According to Paul Huelskamp, Miami County Engineer, the signage that is necessary will be placed by the county.