An independent report sided with Kern County Sheriff's deputies in a long-running dispute with the county over proposed changes to their health and pension plans.
In essence, the county wants all deputies to pay into their health and retirement plans, not just new hires, citing mounting future pension costs as the reason. But in a new report, the mediator concluded the county's fiscal forecast is based on assumptions and not facts. A union spokesman added that increased pension and health plan costs will drive deputies out of Kern County.
The fact-finding report carries no legal weight but it serves as an advisory report for negotiations between the county and the Kern Law Enforcement Association, which resume next week.
