Board ratifies three‑year collective bargaining agreement for deputy district attorneys

Summary

The Deschutes County Board ratified a successor collective bargaining agreement with the Deschutes County District Attorneys Association covering July 1, 2026–June 30, 2029, which includes a wage schedule adjustment effective June 22, 2026, a CPI‑based COLA, and changes to retiree health premium contributions for new hires.

Whitney Hale, deputy county administrator, presented Document 2026‑278, a successor collective bargaining agreement between Deschutes County and the Deschutes County District Attorneys Association (DCDAA) for July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029. Hale summarized key provisions: wage schedule adjustments (effective June 22, 2026), a CPI‑based cost‑of‑living adjustment of 1–4% tied to fiscal‑year CPI, updates to leave conversion, tuition reimbursement and bereavement language, and a sunset of retiree health premium contributions for hires after Aug. 1, 2026.

District Attorney Steve Gunnels said the negotiated contract "is consistent with what we had brought to the board… a fair contract" and that it helps the office retain deputy prosecutors. Commissioners praised the collaborative bargaining process and cited budget planning considerations; staff said the budget team is coordinating anticipated impacts and do not expect layoffs.

The board moved, seconded and voted to ratify the agreement; roll call showed unanimous affirmative votes.

Next steps: contract implementation by county HR and payroll teams and coordination with the budget office for FY27 planning.