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Court member raises large comp-time payouts, urges controls amid tight county finances
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Summary
A court member raised concerns about large comp-time balances and payouts for 9-1-1 and other county employees, urging tighter control as the county faces budget limits; court discussed legal limits and staffing trade-offs.
During elected officials and department-heads time, a Quorum Court member raised concerns about comp-time accruals and payouts for county employees, especially within 9-1-1 staffing, and urged the court to take steps to control comp-time liabilities.
The speaker said records showed more than $10,000 paid to 9-1-1 this year in comp time payouts and cited individuals with several hundred hours of comp time (for example, one employee listed at 339 hours and another at 445 hours). The speaker warned that unpaid or unused comp time represents a future cash obligation if employees leave or are paid out, and said "something's got to be done to get that under control." The speaker asked who approves comp time and was told approval is by each elected official for their employees.
Other court members noted there is no legal hour limit so long as overtime is paid where required and that reducing comp-time accruals effectively requires hiring more staff or changing scheduling. The discussion included concern that running operations lean could increase comp-time for remaining staff and that some comp-time is unavoidable for critical services like 9-1-1 and the library.
The court did not take formal action during the meeting; members suggested the topic be considered during the budget process and that staffing decisions drive comp-time obligations. The speaker offered to review details further with county administrators.
