County increases UCSO hiring bonuses
By Terry Murry on Thursday, May 5th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
UMATILLA COUNTY – The Umatilla County Board of Commissioners approved boosting signing bonuses for the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, which has been hit hard by staffing shortages. The bonuses are for certified police officers, corrections officers, and dispatchers.
“That should help with recruitment and it was approved unanimously,” Board Chairman John Shafer said.
Having certified personnel come on board cuts down dramatically on the expense of training new workers. Those prospective employees have already attended the required training academies. Previously, UCSO was offering a $5,000 one-time signing bonus for those with basic certificates; $6,500 for those with intermediate certificates; and $8,000 for those with advanced certification. The board approved raising them to $6,000 for basic, $8,000 for intermediate, and $10,000 for advanced certification.
Half of the bonus is paid in the first regular paycheck. The other half is paid at the successful completion of the UCSO field training program and probationary period. If the employee decides to leave the position voluntarily before having worked for UCSO for two years, the bonus must be repaid. Former Umatilla County employees who have previously received signing bonuses are not eligible for the incentive.
