Deschutes County commissioners on Oct. 8 approved contract number 2025968, a one-year collective bargaining agreement between Deschutes County and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Employees Association, to remain in effect through the next round of negotiations.

The contract is backdated to July 1, 2025, and contains a cost-of-living adjustment tied to the consumer price index within a range of 1 to 4 percent, modest canine and field‑training officer premium pay changes, and administrative revisions to tuition reimbursement, time management leave and military leave programs.

"This is a one‑year contract, and there is not a ton of change within this one year contract," said Whitney Hale, deputy county administrator, while summarizing the agreement. "Within this agreement, we have a cost of living adjustment that matches CPI, within a range of 1 to 4%." Sheriff Rupert thanked union leadership and county negotiators for a collaborative process: "We've been trying to get this collective bargaining agreement done all year."

Rob Lindsey, deputy sheriff and vice president of the association, described the pact as negotiated in good faith and said the one‑year term lets both sides prepare for broader talks next year. "It has it was hard fought, and we thank you very much for considering a one year contract to get us through so we can start new negotiations moving forward in a great peaceful manner," Lindsey said.

County staff including controller Jana Kane and senior assistant legal counsel Chris Bell supported the board’s approval. Commissioners voiced support for the approach as a pragmatic response to state and local uncertainties and for maintaining a businesslike labor relationship.

A motion to approve contract number 2025968 carried unanimously, with Commissioners Dyer and Chang and the chair voting yes.

County and union leaders said bargaining on the next contract will begin soon under the same working relationship established during this cycle. The contract's administrative and wage changes will be implemented by county payroll and human resources staff per usual practice.