How would you like to open your pay envelope and learn that it was about $200 a month lighter than usual?

That’s what happened to approximately 200 Placer County sheriff’s deputies recently, thanks to the county executive officers arbitrary decision to stop paying an education incentive of 2.6 percent to the law enforcement officers. Some 35 sergeants saw a .16 percent loss to their paychecks.

The CEO’s decision came while contract negotiations between the county and the Deputy Sheriff’s Association (DSA) were still ongoing.

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The deputies have been working without a contract since last January. We view the elimination of the education incentive benefit as a tool to prod the DSA into accepting the county’s current contract proposal. Its been hinted that the incentive will be returned if we agree to the offer.

The DSA’s answer to this unfair labor practice has been to seek a writ of mandate in Placer County Superior Court. Our lawsuit is scheduled to be heard in September.

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Obviously, the take-back of the incentive has affected the morale of the officers, yet we remain unified in our determination to seek a fair and equitable contract while continuing to provide Placer County residents with the highest level of service.

The DSA looks forward to one of its longtime members, Sheriff Ed Bonner, speaking out on this issue. We know he shares our concern about morale and working conditions.

Citizens who also share this concern can contact the Placer County Board of Supervisors at 175 Fulweiler Avenue, Auburn, CA 95603, or call (530) 889-4010.

Jeff Potter, President Placer County Deputy Sheriff’s Association