The Pottawattamie County Board approved the addition of four full‑time call‑taker positions for the county communications center to help reduce dispatcher workload and overtime.

Mitch (listed in meeting materials as Mitch Kai) told the board the county has funding available for the remainder of the fiscal year and will recruit immediately. Board members and staff discussed a phased approach and said hiring will proceed with existing pre‑employment procedures, including background checks and psychological exams. Staff cautioned hiring and training take time and cited historical attrition: they noted an estimated $60–$70K lost per trainee who fails out and a figure of roughly $150K to bring a telecommunicator to full competency at level 3.

Supervisors said they would monitor the staffing level and return to the board if additional positions are needed. The motion to hire four positions was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.