(The Center Square) – As Spokane County faces a $20 million deficit, Detention Services and the Sheriff’s Office want to adjust the sign-on bonuses they offer to new hires, including cooks.
Both are grappling with staffing issues, much like other public safety agencies nationwide, since the 2020 protests in response to George Floyd’s death. Law enforcement has relied on these bonuses to attract new hires, with Fremont, Calif., offering up to $100,000 last December.
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office started offering sign-on bonuses in 2021, which the Board of County Commissioners renewed for up to $25,000 per hire last year. However, Undersheriff Kevin Richey asked the officials Monday to drop the bonus for 240 hours of paid leave instead…