Anoka County and the union representing highway and parks maintenance workers agreed to a one-year contract Tuesday. The deal offered no general increases but includes incentives that raised the ire of two county commissioners.

"I disagree with increasing anyone's salary at this time," said Robyn West, who, along with fellow Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah, voted against the agreement, which was approved on a 5-2 vote.

The one-year accord is significant for what it does and doesn't offer the workers, and because it is the first contract settlement in a year when nearly every county union will be at the bargaining table.

While the deal includes no general wage increases, the merit pay pool is raised by 1.5 percent, effective the first full pay period this month.

The deal also makes union members eligible for the same raises that nonunion county workers might receive this year.

Traditionally, Anoka County has offered increases to union workers that do not compare favorably to other metro-area counties, said Scott Lepak, an attorney who represented Anoka County.

"We've always been a little low," he said. "We've been the tortoise, never the hare."

County Board Chairman Dennis Berg acknowledged the difficult financial times and praised the union workers for "stepping up to the plate once again."

"There needs to be some recognition," Berg said. "These workers are the backbone of this county. If we don't preserve our work force, we're doomed."

West agreed, but balked when asked to vote for a contract that could ultimately mean pay increases.

"It's hard for me to justify asking citizens of this county who may be out of work, or may have taken drastic pay cuts themselves, to pay for potential raises of other workers," she said.

"I agree that our county workers do a fantastic job," she said. "I just don't feel this is the time for raises."

Paul Levy • 612-673-4419