Cops get back pay and wage increase

Tue., Oct. 16, 2007

The Spokesman-Review

Spokane police will get about $970,000 in back pay, plus wage increases that will cost taxpayers an estimated $2 million this year, under a four-year contract approved Monday by City Council members.

Under the new contract, guild members get retroactive pay increases of 2.7 percent starting January 2006, 1 percent in July 2006, 4 percent in January 2007 and 1 percent in July 2007. Next year and in 2009 pay will increase by the same rate as inflation in January and by 1 percent in July. The increases based on inflation cannot be lower than 2 percent or higher than 4 percent.

The agreement also requires that officers pay 6 percent of their health care premiums, including dependents. Previously, officers paid nothing toward their health coverage and 10 percent of the cost of dependent premiums.

The council approved the contract on a 5-0 vote. Councilman Al French was absent. Councilwoman Mary Verner left before the vote to attend a mayoral debate.

– Jonathan Brunt

Suspect sought in beating

Spokane County sheriff’s detectives are looking for an 18-year-old man who is accused of beating a Rockford man into unconsciousness with a tire iron Saturday.

The suspect, Harley D. McDonald, is 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighs 150 pounds and has blue eyes and blond hair.

According to a Sheriff’s Office press release, McDonald and several other people went to a house in the 17600 block of East Drumheller Road on Saturday afternoon in a stolen car. When the resident there told McDonald to leave, an argument ensued. Detectives found the tire iron in nearby trees and later found the car.

Anyone with information is asked to call (509) 242-TIPS or 911.

– Amy Cannata

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