Agreement with AOCDS Moves Forward
(Santa Ana, CA)— County Executive Officer Thomas G. Mauk announced today that agreement was reached with the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs (AOCDS). The agreement, expected to soon be ratified by approximately 1,600 deputies, is for a three-year term from October 2006 through October 2009. The Board of Supervisors will vote on the agreement at their October 23rd meeting.
A significant part of the agreement is the restructuring of the Retiree Medical Program that achieves an estimated $140 million reduction in the unfunded liability connected with retiree medical grants for this bargaining unit. AOCDS will be the first bargaining unit in the County to replace the retiree medical grant with Individual Health Savings accounts that will eventually eliminate the unfunded liability.
In addition, the agreement contains provisions for a comprehensive audit of the AOCDS Medical Trust Fund on an annual basis. The audit will be conducted by an independent CPA firm recommended by AOCDS with final selection by the County.
County staff, under the direction of CEO Thomas G. Mauk, held negotiations with AOCDS for the past year. The general salary increases for the contract are 4.75% effective October 2006, 4.6% effective October 2007 and 3% effective October 2008.
“This agreement represents a landmark accomplishment for the County in the key area of retiree medical reform and reduction of our unfunded liability,” said CEO Tom Mauk. “We value our employees on the front line of public safety and have been impressed with the quality and thoughtfulness of the AOCDS bargaining team and leadership.”
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