COUNTY NEGOTIATING WITH UNIONS

Negotiations are winding down with labor unions representing two employee groups in Potter County, with both sides hopeful of reaching final terms of multi-year contracts in the coming weeks.

Bargaining sessions have been held between the Potter County Board of Commissioners and separate unions representing employees at Human Services and the Potter County Jail. Terms of each contract expire on Dec. 31.

Each union proposal contained numerous elements that have been resolved in negotiations. Two outstanding issues — health insurance and pay — are still on the table.

There are about 40 members of the labor union at Human Services. At the jail, the Teamsters union represents nine full-time and nine parttime employees.

Two other labor groups in Potter County, Probation and County Offices, are also represented by unions. Those contracts are already in place through 2009 or beyond.