Commissioners authorize overtime pay for sheriff’s staff pending appropriations; agree to review comp-time policy

The Owen County Board of Commissioners voted to permit overtime pay for sheriff’s deputies while a pending appropriation is considered by the county council. Commissioners described current comp-time rules as unworkable for shift workers and approved a temporary pay solution so public-safety staffing can be covered.

Sheriff’s office leadership explained that the department’s comp-time policy — which caps comp-time accumulation at specified hours — has created a cycle that amplifies scheduling gaps when deputies use earned comp time. The sheriff said comp time “kills us” operationally because coverage for 24/7 shifts cannot be left empty and added that unusual events (an inmate hospitalized for a month, cited in discussion) create unpredictable overtime needs.

Commissioners instructed staff to prepare a list of personnel comp-time balances so the council can consider paying down accrued comp-time and to review policy options. They suggested red-flagging comp-time accruals in payroll if an employee reaches the statutory cap and converting excess accruals to overtime pay at the point of exceedance. The board’s temporary authorization is subject to the pending additional appropriation at the council and will be revisited in budget hearings for next year.