Blawnox officials approve new 5-year deal with public works department

Blawnox officials have approved a new five-year deal with their public works department, solidifying future operations and financial planning.

It is one of the longest contracts in recent history and runs Jan. 1 through the end of 2030.

The previous contract was three years and set to expire at the end of this year. The department was represented by Teamsters 249.

Council voted 6-0 on Nov. 12 to approve the deal. Council vice president Randall Stoddard was absent.

New contract terms include 90-cent raises each year as well as a 5% contribution to health insurance plan deductibles.

That contribution is in addition to employee base pay deductions for health care costs ranging from 5.5% next year, 6% in 2027 and 6.5% in 2028 through the end of the contract.

There are three public works employees, including two laborers and foreman Mike Belotti, who thanked all parties involved on Nov. 14.

“The last contract was a three-year deal, not because the borough wasn’t sure they wanted us around, but what they wanted to project in a budget and a three-year deal made more sense,” Belotti said via email.

“This contract, the borough was able to project budget-wise a five-year deal with some concessions made by both sides. Borough council has always been fair in contracts with the public works department and the public works has taken concessions when needed to help the borough keep operating as its own entity. Having a contract in place makes it much easier to concentrate on serving the community.”

Borough Manager Kathy Ulanowicz said both the borough and public works negotiating teams worked diligently and professionally to hammer out a deal that was best for both sides.

“I’m happy they were able to come to that agreement,” she said on Nov. 14. “At least they know what they’re going to be able to do within the next five years, and it does help with budgeting because it’s a little more difficult to budget when you’re in the middle of negotiations.

“Health care is getting to be a (significant) portion of the budget. Increasing (contributions) does help with the employee paying toward the premiums. It does help the borough to know what they are responsible for for the next five years.”

Public works is responsible for completing a host of tasks, including repairing water breaks and general maintenance of the water system, sanitary and storm sewer general maintenance and repairs, road repairs like pot hole patching, crack sealing and line painting.

Crews also maintain all the road signs and make sure everything is properly signed. Snow plowing, grass cutting and park maintenance are also high priorities.

Some projects folks may not know were done by public works include installing the decorative lights and poles along Freeport Road and installing fire hydrants.