Sheriff’s Deputies, County Reach Tentative, Three-Year Contract

Orange County sheriff’s deputies ratified a tentative, three-year contract with the county Monday by an 84% margin, according to Robert MacLeod, the group’s general manager.

On the two major economic issues, salary and monthly medical contributions, both sides gave some, MacLeod said.

There will be no salary increase the first year, but for each of the second and third years, the raise will be 3.5%, he said, essentially what the association sought.

However, the association agreed to increases in deputies’ monthly contribution to medical insurance: $400 a month, beginning this June; $415 a month, beginning June of 1995; and $430 a month in June, 1996.

“That was a lot closer to what they wanted than what we wanted,” MacLeod said.

Both sides compromised on the remaining 12 issues on the table, he said, “because both sides wanted an agreement.”

MacLeod said, “Negotiation is about compromise, and once you have an agreement, you’re a fool if you’re not happy about it.”

On March 4, some deputies called in sick as part of a job action to protest a lack of progress in negotiations. The last negotiating session with the county was held March 15, MacLeod said.

The 1,300 members of the association were able to vote in daylong balloting by fax, by telephone or in person, MacLeod said. Those who came to the association’s headquarters could walk around a room where details of the proposed contract were enlarged to poster size and explained by members of the negotiating team.

“We just finished eight months of tough bargaining and four months without a contract,” he said. “We’re certainly willing to have it come to an end.”

The new contract will begin running from the expiration of the previous pact, MacLeod said. The contract awaits final approval from the county Board of Supervisors.

“We’re glad it’s over, and I’m sure everyone involved is glad,” he said. “It’s a complex and tedious process. The smallest miscommunication can create the greatest problems.”