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Commissioners ask for overtime and equity tracking as sheriff's lateral deputy incentive program is extended to October
Summary
Thurston County commissioners discussed a resolution to extend a lateral deputy treatment incentives program for patrol and corrections staff until October; commissioners asked the sheriff's office to track overtime impacts, equity implications across departments, and other metrics before the extension is finalized.
The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners reviewed a proposed resolution to extend a treatment incentives program for lateral deputy sheriffs and corrections deputies and agreed to keep it as a department item for additional follow-up and reporting rather than returning it to consent.
Commissioners raised concerns about potential overtime consequences and equity implications if the county extends leave banks or other benefits to lateral hires. "I was primarily concerned about potential indirect costs ... if people are taking leave in abundance ... that could potentially hike the amount of overtime hours that we're paying out," said Commissioner Emily Klaus during the work session.
Staff and commissioners described the program as a targeted recruitment tool for lateral hires (officers hired from other law enforcement agencies) and not a general hiring bonus for all entry‑level positions. Supporters said the program can save the county money by avoiding costly recruit academies and lengthy onboarding. The board heard that on the corrections side the incentive had been used less often than on patrol and that corrections still face staffing vacancies.
Commissioner Klaus requested that, if the board extends the program through October, the sheriff's office be asked to collect specific metrics and report back by October. The requested data included overtime hours and costs, the number of employees using leave banks, and equity concerns about other departments lacking similar recruitment tools.
No formal vote was recorded at the work session. Commissioners said they will keep the resolution on the department calendar so the public can hear the item and board members can record the performance metrics they want tracked before taking final action.
Ending
Staff and board members asked the sheriff's office to prepare metrics that can be reviewed by October and to provide context about how the program affected overtime and hiring costs so the board can evaluate whether to make the program permanent or modify it.
