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Rusk County officials warn of staffing crunch at county jail as resignations, retirements pile up
Summary
Committee discussion highlighted recent resignations and a retirement, increased overtime, and the possibility of shipping female inmates out of county; hiring remains difficult despite several applicants.
Rusk County Emergency Services Committee members heard a detailed report on jail staffing that described recent resignations, a forthcoming retirement and increased overtime that could force operational changes.
County staff reported that Deputy Engel’s last day is tomorrow and that Deputy Markowitz’s recent resignation required adding 12 overtime shifts to March’s jail schedule, bringing jail overtime to 16 shifts for the month. The transcript records a retirement notice for Gene Polson effective in May. Staff said hiring remains difficult: four candidates were interviewed and only one was ultimately hired; that new hire (Keith) is expected to start within a week to 10 days.
Why it matters: Staffing shortfalls at the jail affect daily operations, overtime costs and the county’s ability to maintain required male/female coverage. Committee members discussed contingency plans that include restructuring shifts and, in extreme cases, shipping female inmates to out-of-county facilities — an option staff described as "very expensive."
Details and options discussed: County staff described several near-term mitigation steps: consolidating shift start times (for example, eliminating a 5 a.m. shift so staff work a 6-to-6 rotation), moving staff between patrol and jail assignments to cover vacancies, and continuing recruitment. Staff noted that other counties in the state have increased correctional pay dramatically in recent years and warned the county may need to consider pay adjustments to remain competitive. Patrol applicant numbers were discussed; staff reported eight patrol applicants, but only one appeared to be certified.
Budget and overtime impacts: Staff said jail overtime remains elevated and that March overtime figures were updated after a resignation. The meeting also covered general budget review items; committee members were told the budget figures being discussed were for 2024 and that 2025 budget work had not yet been reflected in the packet.
Looking ahead: Committee members asked staff to continue recruitment efforts and to present options on shift structure and budget implications. The job description referral approved during the meeting (see "Votes at a glance") is one step toward filling supervisory roles within the jail.
