New contract aims to fix Denver sheriff staffing shortage

• The raises come after last year's layoffs.

Driving the news: The Denver City Council approved a contract between the city and the union representing deputies on Monday.

• The agreement provides 4% raises for deputies, retroactive to Jan. 1, according to city documents.
• It also adds $100 a month specialty pay for sheriffs on horseback, two additional funeral leave days, and more shirts for new deputies.

By the numbers: Base pay now starts at $76,809 and tops out at $107,031 annually for sheriff's deputies, Diggins tells us.

The intrigue: Retirements are expected to slow this year after an uptick over the past two years, meaning recruitment could outpace attrition, Diggins adds.

• The union did not respond to multiple requests for comment from Axios Denver.

What's next: A new sheriff's deputy class is expected to graduate in May.