dissenting.
I concur in the holding that the County of Sarpy is the employer. In my opinion, however, the county board is the only body authorized to represent the county in the bargaining process. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-103 (Reissue 1983); State ex rel. Johnson v. County of Gage, 154 Neb. 822, 49 N.W.2d 672 (1951). The county board is the final authority with respect to clerks and assistants to the county officers, subject only to the requirement that the board not exercise its authority arbitrarily. Meyer v. Colin, 204 Neb. 96, 281 N.W.2d 737 (1979).
Undue fragmentation is a consideration in determining what is an appropriate bargaining unit. This principle should not be disregarded in resolving the issue presented in this case.
Grant, J., joins in this dissent.