Board Approves New Labor Contracts for Circuit Clerk, Assessment Employees

Montgomery County Board Meeting | December 9, 2025

Article Summary: The Montgomery County Board approved two new collective bargaining agreements covering employees in the Circuit Clerk’s and Supervisor of Assessments’ offices. Both contracts include significant wage increases over the next several years.

Union Contract Key Points:

• Circuit Clerk Employees (Local 148): Approved a four-year contract with wage increases of 5.5% in FY2026, followed by 5% increases in FY2027, FY2028, and FY2029.

• Assessment Employees (Local 1084): Approved a three-year contract with wage increases of 5.5% in FY2026, and 5% in FY2027 and FY2028.

• Starting Salaries: Both contracts establish new entry-level salaries, with Circuit Clerk employees starting at $17.00/hour and Assessment employees starting at $16.88/hour in FY2026.

The Montgomery County Board on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, voted to approve new labor contracts for employees in two county offices, securing wage increases and setting new starting salary baselines.

Board members approved a four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Circuit Clerk of Montgomery County and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 148. The agreement, which is effective from Dec. 1, 2025, through Nov. 30, 2029, includes a 5.5% wage increase for the first fiscal year. Employees will see subsequent raises of 5% in FY2027, FY2028, and FY2029. The contract also sets an entry-level salary of $17.00 per hour.

Additionally, the board approved a three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement between Montgomery County and the Laborers’ International Union of North America Local #1084, representing clerical workers in the Supervisor of Assessments office.

Personnel Committee Chairman Chad Ruppert reported that the committee negotiated salary and starting wage issues with union representatives Matt Blankenship and Mike Young. The approved contract calls for a 5.5% wage increase in FY2026, followed by 5% increases in both FY2027 and FY2028.

The agreement establishes an entry-level salary progression for Assessment office employees: $16.88 per hour in FY2026, rising to $17.50 per hour in FY2027, and $18.00 per hour in FY2028. Both contracts were effective as of Dec. 1, 2025.