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Public comment prompts sheriff and commissioners to weigh unionization, benefits and Prop P funding
Summary
A member of the public urged better pay and union representation for deputies; a county official replied that deputies have joined a union but expressed concern that joining a separate union could jeopardize existing health coverage the county obtains through a union insurance plan.
During the public-comment period Rusty Parker of Millover urged the commission to improve recruitment and wages for deputies and said collective representation could strengthen public safety and retention.
An official (speaker identified in the transcript as S11) responded that the county is addressing those issues, said deputies "already have joined a union," and noted the county has increased deputy pay. The speaker, who said he is named in a related lawsuit, explained a practical concern: the county procures health insurance through a union plan and that plan may not insure members of another union, creating a potential risk that deputies who join a different union could lose coverage.
"Since we are getting our insurance through a union, they have a policy that they will not insure members of another union," the speaker said, noting staff are exploring options to avoid creating risk for employees.
The exchange also included discussion of Prop P funds (a local sales-tax distribution the speaker said strictly funds the sheriff27s department), and the speaker said Prop P revenues have materially increased the sheriff27s budget over the past three years.
What happens next: The transcript records continued internal discussion and an acknowledgement that county staff and legal counsel will review options before any formal recognition or change in bargaining arrangements to avoid risking employee health coverage.
