Marion County's juvenile department employees are set to receive 2% annual raises, doubled shift differential pay and more vacation days under a two-year contract the Board of Commissioners is scheduled to approve Wednesday, Aug. 26.
The deal between the county and the Marion County Juvenile Employees Association carries an estimated price tag of $653,012 over its two-year life, according to the board session agenda. It covers all regular employees in the juvenile department, excluding supervisors and confidential staff.
The union side is already done. Negotiators reached a tentative agreement Aug. 10, and members voted to ratify it Aug. 14, according to the county's agenda review documents. The contract runs July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.
What's in the deal
The biggest-ticket items:
- Cost-of-living raises: 2% effective the first full pay period after ratification, and another 2% on July 1, 2027. Two-year cost: about $153,919.
- Health insurance: The county's monthly contribution jumps to $1,946 immediately (a $50 increase), then rises to $2,150 in 2027 and $2,300 in 2028. Two-year cost: about $149,008.
- Vacation: Employees gain 3 to 4 additional days per year. Two-year cost: about $107,800.
- Shift differential: Doubles from $1 per hour to $2 per hour. Two-year cost: about $90,300.
- Holiday choice: Workers may take either the day after Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve off each year. If required to work that day, they receive time-and-a-half pay. Two-year cost: about $29,515.
The $653,012 total includes $530,542 in direct costs and $122,470 in Public Employees Retirement System contributions. The costs will draw from multiple county funds, including the General Fund.
Who's involved
Annamaria Barr serves as MCJEA president. The county's HR contact for the agreement is Angelique P. Voltin.
Chair Colm Willis and Commissioners Kevin Cameron and Danielle Bethell will vote on the contract as part of the consent agenda. The item appears alongside a separate ratification vote for the Marion County District Attorney's Association contract, a three-year deal estimated at $751,875.
Under Oregon law, juvenile department employees represented by the MCJEA are prohibited from striking.
How to weigh in
The board session begins at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, in the Senator Hearing Room at 555 Court Street NE in Salem. Residents can submit written testimony by email to [email protected].
