Budget ‘statement’: Partch digs in heels on deputies’ raises

Two Whitman county sheriff’s deputies Monday received their scheduled pay raises, despite the disapproval of County Commissioner Greg Partch. Partch refused to sign routine orders authorizing the raises during Monday’s meeting of county commissioners.

The raises would take effect whether or not they were signed by commissioners, but Partch said he wanted to “make a statement.”

“I still think the deputies need to be a part of the solution,” said Partch, referring to the county’s budget straits.

County employees are moved up a classification system every 18 months. This rise through the system c...