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Supervisors approve up to three part-time jailer positions to address staffing and retirements
Summary
Board authorized hiring up to three part-time jailers to reduce overtime and create a pool for future full-time vacancies; action approved by motion and voice vote.
The Kossuth County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to allow the sheriff’s office to hire up to three part-time jailers as a staffing strategy to cover court transports, vacations and potential near-term retirements.
Sheriff Roger explained the jail is budgeted for 12 full‑time jailers but currently has 11, and several long‑tenured employees are eligible for retirement in the next one to three years. He said six jailers have more than 20 years’ service and four of those could be eligible to retire soon. Bailey, the jail administrator, participated in the discussion and confirmed part‑time hires could cover court days, transports and call‑ins.
The sheriff presented the budget logic: the county’s line-item wages for 12 full-time jailers break down to roughly $64,000 per jailer; by replacing some hours with part‑time staff the county could reduce wage outlay to around the low $50,000s overall for the positions he described. He said part‑time workers would be limited to 32 hours per week so the county stays within budgeted thresholds. Supervisors discussed ensuring at least one female part‑time hire so the jail can meet requirements to have female staff present when female inmates are in custody.
Board members noted training requirements. The sheriff and Bailey explained that part‑time hires would receive in‑house training and must complete a 40‑hour certification (ILEA) within the first year; the board discussed scheduling and pay treatment for that training.
Supervisor Stecker moved to approve up to three part‑time jailers; Supervisor Wachter seconded. The board approved the motion by voice vote. The sheriff was directed to manage hires so the department remains within the existing budgeted wage line and to ensure no part‑time hire exceeds the 32‑hour cap without board direction.
No formal changes to the wage line or benefits were adopted; supervisors said the action is a staffing authorization rather than a permanent reclassification of positions.
