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Commissioners authorize deputy director to fill dispatch overtime shifts at 1.45 times hourly rate
Summary
To reduce forced overtime among dispatchers, Sagadahoc County commissioners approved March 25 allowing the communications deputy director to cover unfilled dispatch shifts at time-and-a-half (1.45x) pay; commissioners characterized the change as temporary while two vacancies are recruited.
Sagadahoc County commissioners on March 25 approved a temporary change allowing the communications deputy director to fill unstaffed field dispatch shifts and be compensated at 1.45 times their hourly rate when performing that work. The measure was presented as a union request intended to prevent regular dispatchers from being forced to take shifts.
Communications staff told commissioners the department is down two positions and has posted the vacancies; when posted overtime shifts go unfilled the department must force someone into a shift, which the union asked the deputy director to cover instead. The staff member said the deputy director is salaried but that the overtime assignment is considered a different job and would be paid at the higher rate. “It’s a wash either way because it would be paying…,” the staff member said, explaining budget effects are limited.
Commission discussion noted the change is meant as a short-term fix while recruiting continues. Commissioners said regular employees will be offered shifts first and the deputy director would only be used to prevent forced fills. The motion to approve the transfer and overtime arrangement was made, seconded and approved unanimously.
Why it matters: communications (dispatch) staff shortages can increase morale problems and operational risk when people are forced into overtime. The county has posted job openings but does not yet have candidates; commissioners asked staff to monitor whether the measure remains necessary if vacancies persist.
The action authorizes the deputy director to accept overtime shifts at the stated premium and directs staff to continue recruitment for the two open communications positions. The motion passed unanimously.
