Deputy sheriffs' union: State mediators called in on contract negotiations

State mediators have been called in to help Whitman County negotiate a collective bargaining contract with the deputy sheriffs union.

County commissioners Monday called in the state’s Public Employee Relations Commission to settle contract talks with the deputies, who have their own bargaining group, the Whitman County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.

“Do we want our unions to define what’s a livable wage or our taxpayers?” asked Commissioner Michael Largent.

Kelli Campbell, director of the county’s human resources, said there are several sticking points between the county and the deputies. Campb...