BY ADAM ATKINSONNorth Country This Week

POTSDAM — The village board has agreed to the terms of a new contract with its labor attorneys Roemer, Wallens, Gold & Mineaux.

The trustees and mayor agreed to accept the new contract with the firm at their meeting May 13.

The firm has traditionally handled labor negotiations for the village with the collective bargaining units — the Teamsters and the CSEA — which represent municipal employees in labor contract discussions.

Under the contract, the firm will be compensated for its services at a rate of $2,050 per month from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025; $2,100 per month from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026; $2,150 per month from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

The firm agrees to provide the following services to the village in return for retainer:

• Comprehensive negotiating services up to and including impasse resolution proceedings and interest arbitration with the Teamsters and CSEA;
• Consultations and advice regarding Civil Service Law, Taylor Law, Fair Labor Standards Act, Public Officers Law, Freedom of Information Law, Unemployment Insurance Law, Workers’ Compensation Law, Human Rights/Discrimination, Sexual Harassment Investigations, Disability Benefits, Contract Administration and Enforcement, Grievances Filed Against Employer, Employee Discipline Matters, Work Rules, Layoff Procedures, General Municipal Law, Americans With Disabilities Act, Family and Medical Leave Act and other labor related issues.

The firm also will provide the village with services not specifically listed in the agreement and covered under the monthly retainer if requested by the municipality.

Representation in Labor related litigation in state and federal courts will be provided by the firm under the contract at the following rates: partner and senior associate attorney, $270 an hour in years 2024 and 2025, and $280 an hour in years 2026 and 2027; associate attorney, $230 an hour in years 2024 and 2025, and $240 in years 2026 and 2027; and paralegal, $140 an hour in 2024 and 2025 and $145 an hour in 2026 and 2027.