Still no agreement on OCSO Union Contract

There is still not an agreement between Orange County and the Sheriff’s Office Union on the contract.

“At this time, I am quite disappointed,” said Orange County Judge Carl Thibodeaux during Monday afternoon Commissioners Court meeting. “I have not been contacted by the union whatsoever. If I have not heard from them by next Monday, then I will have to take the appropriate action.”

During the previous meeting, Thibodeaux said the county made an offer to the union. He stated during the meeting, they have proposed no more sick leave buy-backs, holiday pay does not count toward overtime pay and certification pay will be limited to 17 SWAT members and 10 instructors. In addition, the sheriff’s office must pay 60 percent of their dependent coverage for medical insurance costs instead of the current 40 percent. Sixty percent is what other county employees costs are currently. The Evergreen Clause will be for 30 days and the “just cause clause” will remain in effect for one year. But, they will continue to discuss the clause further over the course of the year.

The Sheriff’s Office Union did hold a meeting this week, but it has not been determined if they had met with Thibodeaux or not.

In other county business, commissioners decided to not take any action on raising the speed limit from 10 mph to 20 mph. Originally, the speed limit was changed because of a child on the street with special needs. Residents of the neighborhood arrived in court during a hearing to voice their opinions and concerns. Commissioners decided to heed their thoughts, but also said they would check on the legalities of their decision.

Commissioners voted to abandon an unimproved cul-de-sac located in the Evergreen Estates Subdivision located in precinct 4. The developer dedicated the cul-de-sac to Orange County, but it was never developed and has no need to develop the right-of-way now or in the future. As a result, the land will revert back to the adjoining landowners and be placed back on the tax rolls.

Sabrina Gray was recognized as the event manager for the Orange County Convention and Expo Center. She told the court she has taken an in depth tour and the facility and was looking forward to sharing ideas with them in the future.