The following is a release from Snohomish County:

he Snohomish County Council approved collective bargaining agreements with the Snohomish County Deputy Sheriff’s Association and the Sheriff’s Office Management Team. The previous agreement ended on March 31, 2015.

“Public safety is the county’s top priority, and we have been working hard to find agreement with our Deputies,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “For those who put their lives on the line every day to maintain the safety of our neighborhoods, we know they deserve not just our respect but also good pay and benefits. We have a fair agreement that is sensitive to the county’s financial health and also ensures we are able to recruit and maintain the best law enforcement officers.”

Since Deputies have been working without a contract since April 1, 2015, the new agreement covers four years from the end of the last contract until March 31, 2019. The agreement includes a wage increase of 3.25 percent for the first year, 3 percent for the second year, and a wage increase for each of the last two years based on an equivalent of 100 percent of the CPI-W, Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton, June-to-June index but no less than 2 percent. In addition, the agreement covers a cost share for medical increases for all employees hired after the date of ratification.

“In often extremely difficult circumstances, our Sheriff’s Deputies and Management Team work hard every day to keep our resident’s safe,” said Snohomish County Council Chair Brian Sullivan. “This agreement balances our desire to maintain appropriate compensation for our first responders with the necessity to ensure the sustainability of county finances. We have been able to do what’s right for our community and our deputies.”

“I serve with a great group of men and women who are dedicated to keeping our community safe,” said Snohomish County Sheriff Ty Trenary. “My deputies and management team have my deepest respect for the work they do every day, and I am committed to keeping them safe, well equipped, and focused on community first. This agreement will help us do just that.”

“We give great responsibility to our Sheriff’s Deputies and management team, since our county relies on them to preserve public safety and keep our neighborhoods secure,” said Snohomish County Council Vice Chair Stephanie Wright. “I am pleased that the new agreement will work within the constraints of our county finances while also maintaining a strong partnership with our men and women in the Sheriff’s Office. The entire county benefits from the hard work of our Sheriff’s Office.”