Board ratifies probation officers memorandum of understanding with wage increases and longevity pay

The Sutter County Board of Supervisors on July 22 approved a three-year memorandum of understanding with the Sutter County Probation Officers Association, ratified by the association on July 10.

Veronica Baumgartner, the county’s human resources director, outlined the MOU’s key economic terms: a 4% base-wage increase to take effect the first full pay period after board approval, a 3% base-wage increase in July 2026 and another 3% in July 2027, and the introduction of longevity pay. Baumgartner said the agreement also included non-economic and cleanup language (comp time usage, health insurance provisions, workers’ compensation clinic language and rehire rules). “We were able to get a 3 year contract... starting with a 4% base wage increase the first full pay period after the board's approval, a 3% base wage in July 2026 and a 3% base wage in July 2027,” Baumgartner said.

Baumgartner recommended extending the base increases to unrepresented probation management classes to prevent compaction; staff estimated the county general fund would cover approximately 42% of probation salary costs. She provided a first-year cost figure for longevity and salary changes of $74,890 and noted budgeted appropriations should cover the increases, with staff returning to the board if additional appropriations were needed.

One public commenter, Ron Slavin, spoke in support of the agreement and described it as a collaborative negotiation. Supervisor Stevens moved and Supervisor Baines seconded approval; the board voted unanimously.

The MOU’s adoption updates pay and administrative provisions for probation officers; county staff will monitor department appropriations and may return to the board if funding shortfalls emerge.