Deputy sheriffs group agrees to concessions

The Clark County Deputy Sheriff's Association has agreed to labor concessions that will save about $59,000.

County commissioners on Tuesday approved a one-year contract with the union, whose 15 members are the equivalent of marshals who serve writs and act as peace officers.

Although the savings appear tiny within the county's $1.2 billion general fund budget, a few commissioners Tuesday praised the concessions as significant relative to the union's size.

Under the pact, the employees' pay will be cut by 3.5 percent, their merit raises frozen for a year and their clothing and equipment allowance sliced in half.

Also, anyone hired after July 1 is ineligible for longevity pay.

Commissioner Steve Sisolak said eliminating longevity pay sets a strong precedent in bargaining with the larger unions.

"I think it's going to create a new class of employees," Sisolak said.