Sheriff’S Administrators To Receive Longevity Pay

Sheriff’s administrators will begin receiving a new fringe benefit under a compromise approved by Spokane County commissioners.

Commissioners voted last week to give longevity pay to the 19 sheriff’s employees above the rank of sergeant.

Longevity pay is extra money meant to reward longtime county workers.

It pays a percentage of their salary on top of their regular wages. The amount can reach 10 percent for someone with 25 years of continuous service.

Many county employees receive the benefit.

Last month, sheriff’s administrators asked commissioners to give them the benefit, saying they had been unfairly denied longevity pay.

They argued there was no reason they shouldn’t receive the benefit and requested that the pay be retroactive to 1972.

Commissioners disagreed, saying the sheriff’s brass negotiated away the benefit for past pay increases.

At the behest of commissioners, County Administrator Francine Boxer sent sheriff’s administrators a memorandum stating that their demand was “inconsistent and inappropriate.”

“However, the board does recognize your dedication and service to the Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Spokane County,” Boxer wrote.

Commissioners have decided to give the administrators longevity pay retroactive to Jan. 1 of this year, Boxer wrote.

While it wasn’t all they asked for, it was much better than nothing, said sheriff’s Inspector David Wiyrick, who will benefit from the decision.

“It’s fine with me,” Wiyrick said. “What my concern was is that it affects the amount of my retirement pay. It beats getting poked in the eye with a sharp stick.”