Sheriff's union rejects Pierce County's pay offer as contract talks stall out

In a decisive 290-to-1 vote, members of the Pierce County Deputy Sheriff's Guild rejected a proposed 10% pay increase over three years. Guild leadership argued that the offer does not meet the competitive wages offered by regional agencies, particularly Tacoma Police, which pays about 30% more for similar positions. Guild President Shaun Darby stated that deputies are overworked and underpaid, leading to significant turnover as officers leave for better compensation. County Executive Ryan Mello defended the county's proposal, claiming it reflects a commitment to competitive wages and robust benefits. He argued that comparisons with smaller jurisdictions do not accurately represent the operational demands faced by the Pierce County Sheriff's Office.

Darby highlighted chronic underfunding and insufficient staffing levels as critical issues affecting public safety and recruitment. Currently, 17 deputies are reportedly seeking employment with Tacoma Police. The ongoing negotiations emphasize the need for a resolution that addresses both deputy compensation and the demands of public safety in Pierce County.