Collective Bargaining Grievances

by the sheriff’s officers association. abc-7’s andrew j. polk was at commissioner’s court today. he’s live with the details about some staffing and safety grievances. andrew? rick and estela, this was all discussed behind closed doors today in executive session… but we know the officer’s association isn’t happy with changes in jail staffing. the deputies say overtime restrictions and civilianizing some positions have reduced jail coverage. they have filed eight collective bargaining contract grievances alleging quote “incidents the associatio claims are related to understaffing at the detention facilities.” the last contract was signed at the end of 2014. at the time, it was hailed as a measure that would keep costs down. today, the el paso county sheriff’s officers association president sgt. robert horstman sent me a statement saying in part quote: “we contended that the sherif and the county are violating the contract by not properly staffing the facilities which in turn creates an officer safety issue as well as a safety issue for the inmates.” commissioner carlos leon says that’s something the county will address. “well it’s very important number one, as you mention – a safety issue. do we have a safety issue? and that’s what we’re going to be looking at, and that’s foremost on my mind.” sheriff richard wiles has previously defended the moves by saying his allegiance is to the county’s taxpayers, not the union. commissioners today also discussed the contract of chief administrator betsy keller in execuctive session today. leon told us they’re almost ready to finalize her contract after a few weeks of negotiations. coming up at 6, the county is also looking to expand cleanup efforts to help prevent bigger stormwater problems. rick and estela? criminal charges will not be filed against