The union representing Metcom workers in McLean County is heading back to the bargaining table with the county right after approval of the latest contract.
That's because the 23 members of the bargaining unit have been working on an expired agreement for more than a year.
County Administrator Bill Wasson said the new contract is retroactive to the start of 2016 and expires at the end of this year.
"Especially in these challenging economic times I think both the parties agree that shorter term agreements allow us to respond if economic conditions change," said Wasson.
Wasson said there is uncertainty about future county funding streams in Springfield.
The new agreement retroactive to the start of 2016 is for a 2.75% pay increase for workers in the emergency dispatch center.
"We spent a tremendous amount of time working on both contract language and wages. Ultimately we were able to resolve all those issues," said Wasson.
Wasson said benefits provisions did not change much.
