NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday to table a MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) with the Local No. 94 Licensed Deputies Union to establish a career ladder.

Under the MOA approved by the union group, Brown County and the union are parties to a collective bargaining agreement effective Jan. 1, 2023 through Dec. 31, 2025 establishing a career ladder including Deputy Sheriff I, evaluated at Grade 9, and Deputy Sheriff II, evaluated at Grade 10.

Qualification requirements associated with movement from Deputy Sheriff I to Deputy Sheriff II include completion of 7 years of direct experience as a Brown County Sheriff’s Office Deputy I, among 13 other qualification requirements including serving as a mentor and assisting with training and on-boarding of new hires.

“Every deputy would have these skills,” said Commissioner Dave Borchert.

Brown County Administrator Sam Hansen said the MOA matches the board approved job description last year.

“I would support anything we can do to be more competitive in the job market. I don’t feel comfortable with this right now under the circumstances. I think we’re potentially opening up a can of worms here,” said Commissioner Dave Borchert.

Commissioner Scott Windschitl said the MOA could be tabled so the documents could be viewed.

“That would be my preference. Overall, I see the benefits of this. I don’t remember exactly how we talked about this for a correctional officer. At the time, we were having a hard time filling vacancies. Because there are specialized skills involved, I’ll make a motion to table this until we get more information regarding the subject,” said Commissioner Borchert.

“This board already approved the job description,” said Commissioner Tony Berg.

Administrator Hansen said he would bring the approved board action to the next board meeting.

“The board action form actually changes the grade,” said Borchert.

Commissioner Windschitl seconded Bochert’s motion, tabling the board action.