Morrow County Sheriff’s union calls for concrete wage offer amid growing staffing crisis
By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, September 9th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
HEPPNER — Morrow County sheriff’s deputies are facing a severe staffing crisis as lagging wages push experienced deputies to neighboring law enforcement agencies, according to union officials representing the agency.
The Morrow County Sheriff’s Association and Teamsters Local 223 are urging county leaders to present a firm, competitive wage offer following more than five months of stalled labor negotiations. The previous collective bargaining agreement expired June 30, but union representatives say the county has only offered informal “what-if” scenarios rather than a concrete proposal.
Union leadership highlights a stark pay disparity across the region. A basic patrol deputy in Morrow County earns $5,056 per month, compared to starting monthly wages of $5,829 in Boardman and $6,250 in Hermiston — up to 24 percent higher.
The pay gap has fueled significant turnover, with 13 deputies leaving the department since 2023. Union officials warn that the loss of veteran staff threatens public safety across the rural county, leading to slower emergency response times, increased burnout, and higher taxpayer costs to train replacements.
“Our members aren’t asking Morrow County to be the highest-paying department in the region,” said Austin DePaolo, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 223. “We’re asking the county to meaningfully narrow the gap, so deputies don’t have a strong financial incentive to leave.”
Erik Patton, president of the Morrow County Sheriff’s Association, emphasized that retaining experienced deputies protects taxpayer investments. Both labor organizations say they remain ready to negotiate a sustainable contract once the county submits a formal wage offer.
