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Cayuga County committee hears 9‑1‑1 staffing shortfall, OKs NG911 grant and part‑time hire
Summary
The Judicial & Public Safety Committee accepted a SFY2025 Next Generation grant to add an NG911 telephone recorder and connectivity and approved filling one part‑time emergency dispatcher slot after hearing 9‑1‑1 administrator Denise Finler describe staffing gaps and rising overtime and burnout.
The Cayuga County Judicial & Public Safety Committee voted to accept a SFY2025 Next Generation grant for a new NG911 telephone recorder and associated connectivity and approved hiring one part‑time emergency dispatcher after a lengthy staffing update from 9‑1‑1 administrator Denise Finler.
Finler told the committee that three dispatchers recently completed basic dispatch school and began floor training, and that interviews are scheduled in November to fill four remaining vacancies. She said the center currently has 21 full‑time equivalent positions but "should have 24 FTE," and described accelerated burnout among newer dispatchers who are working frequent overtime and nontraditional schedules. "Burnout used to be 15, 20 years from a dispatcher. Now... it's happening... 6, 7, 8 years," Finler said.
Chair (speaker 3) introduced JP1, authorizing the county chairperson and the 9‑1‑1 administrator to accept the SFY2025 Next Generation grant for implementation of the recorder and connectivity. Speaker 4 moved JP1 and Speaker 3 seconded; the committee carried the resolution by voice vote.
The committee also advanced JP4 to fill one vacant part‑time emergency services dispatcher position. Finler explained the county uses part‑time staff to reduce overtime costs: part‑timers are offered open shifts monthly and are limited in the hours they can work, which helps lower overtime expenses. She said the part‑time salary line is expected to show a modest surplus while the overtime line is projected to be exceeded; in the meeting transcript she characterized her overtime forecast with a specific figure. The committee carried JP4 by voice vote.
Finler outlined training challenges: recent classes have started with six recruits but lost candidates during background checks and early training, and with budgeted position limits she said the office cannot expand class sizes as freely as desired. She set a goal of filling the vacancy that month and offered to address follow‑up budget questions offline.
The committee approved the two resolutions and asked staff to provide additional budget details and follow‑up on recruitment timelines. The 9‑1‑1 administrator encouraged legislators to review the handout she circulated and to contact her with specific questions.
