Sheriff proposes replacing cash sign‑on bonuses with leave balances for lateral hires; commissioners press for budget and tracking details

Sheriff’s office staff proposed on June 3 that Spokane County replace the prior cash sign‑on bonus program with an upfront leave‑balance incentive for lateral law‑enforcement hires. The proposal would not give entry‑level hires a bonus; laterals would receive an upfront vacation and sick‑leave balance rather than cash. Initial proposal numbers discussed were 180 hours of vacation and 180 hours of sick leave; commissioners and staff discussed reducing those amounts to 120 hours each for lateral hires with five or more years’ prior service.

Todd Milke, a sheriff’s office presenter, said the existing practice had paid cash bonuses (historically $25,000 for laterals and $10,000 for entry level) and that the new approach would place a leave balance on employees’ records but…