Responding to overwhelming comments that the Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) received about salary concerns of county employees, the board said it is committed to “negotiate in good faith.”
During the public meeting on Tuesday, June 20, Commissioner Carolina Mejia delivered a short message on behalf of the board.
“We thank employees who took the time last week to make public comments and to provide their input,” said Mejia. “The board is also continue[ing] to negotiate in good faith to reach a balanced contract.”
Mejia said the BOCC has been informed on the ongoing negotiation, which is currently in the process of mediation.
The board’s statement stemmed from last week’s meeting as more than 20 county staff from various departments came forward during the public comment portion to urge the board to review the staff's contracts as more employees leave due to low income.
County employees urged the board to increase their wages to “just and livable” salaries.
"We talked about this organization with equality, but we don't feel that we're being treated equally," said Municipal Stormwater Inspector Paul Andrews, who has been working in Thurston for over 15 years.
County Manager Ramiro Chavez said earlier that the county would continue to undergo the process of negotiations before bringing the contract to the BOCC.
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