Hiring Deputies For Special Events Now Costs Cities More

The Board of Supervisors today approved the Riverside County sheriff's proposal to increase overtime extra duty rates charged for sheriff's services at events that require the use of deputies and other personnel.

In a 5-0 vote, the board without comment authorized Sheriff Stan Sniff to implement a revised overtime pay schedule that reflects the costs borne by the sheriff's department when deputies, investigators, crime scene technicians - - even accountants -- perform work outside of their normal schedules, such as for parades, festivals and other "special events."

The new rates will apply to cities that contract for law enforcement services. Near Murrieta, these include Temecula, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore and Menifee.

Under the revised OT pay schedule, the cost for a deputy who works extra hours outside of his or her customary assignments, will be $72.88 per hour, compared to $71.11 currently.

According to agency documents, the charge for a sheriff's corporal will go from $75.72 per hour to $77.61 per hour, while a court bailiff's cost will rise from $52.89 to $54.21.

A sergeant's rate will increase from $99.46 per hour to $102.94 per hour, and a lieutenant's will bump up to $81.89, compared to $79.12 per hour previously.

A total of 40 positions were listed in sheriff's documents. Increases were recorded for all but four of the titles.

The new rates take effect immediately. --City News Service