Nueces County and the Sheriff\u2019s Deputies Union reached a tentative three-year deal with pay raises of up to 20%, aiming to boost retention and morale.<\/p>\n
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas \u2014 Just days after labor talks appeared to stall, Nueces County and the Nueces County Sheriff\u2019s Officers Association have reached a tentative three-year agreement that union leaders say delivers long-overdue pay raises and stability for local law enforcement.<\/p>\n
RELATED: Labor dispute highlights Nueces County deputy pay concerns<\/a><\/p>\n According to the NCSOA, County Judge Connie Scott returned to the table this week with \u201ca proposal that supports public safety.\u201d The deal includes a competitive base pay increase, a permanent rollover of retention pay, and adjustments to certification and longevity pay \u2014 resulting in a total salary increase of up to 20 percent over the next three years.<\/p>\n The tentative agreement was presented Tuesday to the Nueces County Commissioners Court, which voted 5\u20130 to approve it.<\/p>\n In a statement, the NCSOA called the deal \u201can important step forward in helping the Sheriff\u2019s Office and Constables\u2019 Offices retain the dedicated Deputies and Correctional Officers who proudly protect and serve the citizens of Nueces County day in and day out.\u201d<\/p>\n Earlier in the week, preliminary collective-bargaining negotiations had broken down between the union and the commissioners court. NCSOA President Mark Villarreal said deputies were no longer willing to accept stagnant pay tied to county budget shortfalls.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve taken zeros in the past, but that time is coming to an end,\u201d Villarreal said. \u201cFrankly, that\u2019s a slap in the face to every single man and woman who dons the officer\u2019s uniform.\u201d<\/p>\n Commissioner John Marez acknowledged deputies\u2019 concerns and said the court remains focused on retention.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can never pay law enforcement and first responders what they actually do,\u201d Marez said. \u201cThey put their lives on the line every day \u2026 My concern, and I feel the court\u2019s concern, is how do we match up with other counties and other law enforcement agencies?\u201d<\/p>\n Despite the earlier impasse, NCSOA Vice President Sgt. Zachary Syler said the new proposal reflects meaningful progress toward those promises.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t pay for those skills you develop over time,\u201d Syler said. \u201cHopefully this contract will retain those individuals instead of them constantly leaving like has been common practice.\u201d<\/p>\n Union leaders thanked Scott and commissioners for working in good faith to reach the deal and said they look forward to finalizing a full collective-bargaining agreement in the weeks ahead.<\/p>\n More from 3NEWS on KIIITV.com: \u00a0<\/p>\n