Board OKs carryover to contract temporary staff as 911 center faces shortages

Randolph County commissioners on July 1 approved a carryover of $175,000 to contract temporary staffing for the county's 911 communications center after director Jared told the board that vacancies left most shifts under the office's minimum staffing threshold.

Jared said the 911 center had 35 positions budgeted but only 20 fully trained, released telecommunicators and seven people in training, leaving three of four shifts below the department's staffing minimums. A supervisor has resigned and another supervisor will be out on leave, he said.

The board approved using carryover funds to contract with a staffing agency that supplies experienced telecommunicators on a temporary basis — described by staff as similar to travel nurses used by hospitals during clinical staffing shortages. The expected six‑month contract price was presented as about $150,000 of the $175,000 carryover; staff said the contracted workers would be an interim measure while recruitment and training continue.

Jared said the contractor typically can place trained 911 personnel within four to six weeks of contract execution; staff said the county had researched other jurisdictions' use of similar firms, citing examples in Buncombe and Durham counties and a local news article. Commissioners approved the carryover and authorized the county manager to sign documents.

Why it matters: Maintaining minimum staffing at the 911 center is critical for response times and public safety. Staff described the contracted personnel as a short-term measure while the county hires and trains permanent staff.

What the meeting record shows: The board approved the request on a voice vote and authorized the county manager to sign necessary documents.