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House approves modest pay survey change intended to raise dispatcher wages
Summary
H.B. 76, to include public safety dispatchers in a broader salary survey and raise pay modestly (estimated cost ~$400,000), passed the House 59‑0; sponsor said starting pay was $11.58 and midpoint $13.99 and hoped for implementation next year pending funding.
The Utah House passed H.B. 76 on Jan. 30 to include public safety dispatchers in a broader salary survey so their pay can be ranked nearer comparable entities and modestly increased.
Representative Bowman, sponsor, said dispatchers are underpaid, citing a starting rate at step 32 of $11.58 per hour and a midpoint of $13.99. He said there are roughly 78 public safety dispatchers in the state and estimated that implementing the change would cost about $400,000; the sponsor described a plan to seek funding so a wage change could take effect the following year. He characterized the measure as a small, practical way to reduce turnover (about five years) and ease recruitment pressure.
Bowman told the House the bill would direct a salary survey to include dispatchers among the three largest political‑subdivision employers of dispatch staff, which would help raise their rank and pay. He said the change equates to roughly $2 per hour when funding is secured. The House voted 59‑0 to pass the bill; it will be sent to the Senate for further consideration.
Speakers quoted in this article are drawn from the House floor transcript of Jan. 30, 2007.
