In brief: County reaches deal with sheriff’s Lieutenants and Captains Association

Spokane County has reached a two-year labor agreement with the sheriff’s Lieutenants and Captains Association that calls for changes to on-call compensation and health plans among its provisions.

The county commissioners voted on Tuesday to accept the agreement after the association ratified it earlier.

The contract calls for no cost-of-living salary increase. However, it increases association members’ compensation by 1.4 percent overall compared to sergeants. In addition, lieutenants and captains will receive $750 for each week on call instead of $300 per weekend.

The contract also moves the group to newer county health plans that offer savings to the county on premiums and establishes co-pays and a premium share of 5 to 10 percent.

Women Helping Women Fund raises $265,000 at luncheon

The Women Helping Women Fund luncheon Monday raised $265,000 to benefit nonprofit programs in the Spokane area, the group announced.

About 1,700 people attended the annual luncheon this year.

This year’s speaker, Chris Gardner, who wrote “The Pursuit of Happyness,” announced a personal $10,000 contribution during the luncheon.

Since 1992, the fund has raised more than $6 million for programs that help women and children in the region.