Warren Evans (file photo)
Wayne County moved a step closer to addressing its financial woes head on.
WDIV reports that the Wayne County Commission voted Thursday 12-2, with one abstention, to adopt a consent agreement with the state to turn around the debt-drowning county.
The consent decree would give the county the power to override union contracts if necessary to save money.
County Executive Warren Evans had asked the commission for the consent agreement option, and emphasized that he would prefer to negotiate contracts with unions rather than set employment conditions.
In a statement after the vote, Evans said:
"As we finalize the terms of the consent agreement with the state treasurer, we will continue in our commitment to negotiate in good-faith with our unions. Although a consent agreement will eventually give the county the ability to set the terms of employment, our preference is to reach agreements at the bargaining table."
