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Warwick County committee approves transfer to cover $1 million in sheriff's overtime
Summary
The Finance Committee approved a transfer to cover increased corrections overtime after lengthy discussion about staffing, burnout and recruiting; one supervisor voted no and members agreed to pursue staffing reforms and HR support for the sheriff's office.
The Warwick County Finance Committee on Feb. 20 approved a budget adjustment to move payroll vacancy savings into the sheriff's overtime account to cover about $1 million in additional corrections overtime costs.
Committee chair Sheila Reif and other members discussed the size and causes of the increase during a lengthy exchange that included Sheriff Hausner and county staff. The sheriff said much of the overtime stems from vacancies and that “if we were full staff, probably 90% plus would be gone.” He said corrections staff work 12- to 16-hour shifts and see overtime posted daily in the jail, whereas patrol overtime is less prevalent.
The vote followed public and committee discussion about recruitment, retention and the toll of overtime on deputies. Supervisor Joe (surname not specified in transcript) said he would have voted no, citing business-like concerns about repeated adjustments and urging more decisive changes to reduce overtime. Other supervisors said the overtime is largely being covered from the corrections division’s own vacancy savings rather than other departments’ budgets.
Committee members suggested multiple follow-up steps: more HR support for the sheriff’s staffing needs, evaluating whether a dedicated HR position could help hiring for corrections, and reviewing workload and safety needs so staffing decisions balance cost and security. Chair Reif and County HR leadership said the board has been and will continue to examine options and pursue solutions through Human Resources and the HR committee.
The motion to approve the budget adjustment passed in voice vote with multiple “aye” replies and at least one recorded “nay.” Committee discussion noted the funding source was internal vacancy savings in the corrections division and that the committee will continue oversight as departments work on longer-term recruitment and staffing remedies.
Committee members present for the discussion and vote included Chair Sheila Reif, Vice Chair Dennis Grabowski, Supervisor Kathy Ingersoll, Supervisor Joseph Schaefer and Supervisor Al Stanek (attendance recorded at the start of the meeting). Sheriff Hausner answered questions during the item.
The committee asked staff and the sheriff’s office to report back with progress on recruitment, and supervisors signaled interest in further HR-centered responses before the next major payroll cycles.
