Denver sheriff's deputies will get pay raises with new contract

• Deputies are primarily responsible for supervising city jails.

The big picture: The raises represent the most "significant" pay increases for the agency in the past 30 years, Denver Sheriff Elias Diggins tells us.

• The contract "makes us more competitive," he added.

State of play: The Denver City Council voted unanimously on Monday to approve the agreement with Denver Sheriff Lodge 27 of the Fraternal Order of Police, the union representing local deputies.

• The contract begins retroactively on Jan. 1 and will last until 2025.
• The union on Monday did not respond to a request for comment from Axios.

By the numbers: Starting pay for a deputy ($65,625) would jump 3% ($67,593.75) until July 1, when another 4% increase takes effect ($70,297.50).

• Two more staggered raises will follow in 2025.

What's inside: The new contract has several other new stipulations, including:

• Setting minimum overtime rate pay at 1.5 times regular pay.
• Allowing up to four weeks of paid parental leave starting in 2025.
• Recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday.

Between the lines: Deputies' weapons allowance will also increase from $650 to $1,000.

• Diggins tells us additional this one-time increase covers rising firearm costs for on-duty guns used by deputies.

Go deeper: Denver Sheriff Department's plan to expand authority hits snag