The Chippewa County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 8 approved two measures aimed at stabilizing staffing in the Emergency Communications Center: a one‑time appreciation bonus for ECC employees and a conversion of a vacant full‑time telecommunicator position into two part‑time posts to increase scheduling flexibility.

Resolution 40‑24, as introduced to the board, established a tiered one‑time bonus structure for ECC employees and directed the county to use administrator 2024 funds or a non‑lapsing fund to pay the amounts. Lynn moved the resolution and Schlot seconded; the board approved the resolution as presented.

Separately, Resolution 401‑24 would convert one full‑time telecommunicator position into two part‑time telecommunicator positions effective on passage. Supervisor Goodman moved the conversion and Supervisor Gearing seconded. Supporters said the change provides more flexibility for shift coverage and helps retain LTE (limited term employee) staff who often want partial hours rather than a fixed full‑time schedule.

County Administrator Randy Schultz and 911 Center Director Tammy Foldy described the staffing shortage: the center has 14 full‑time positions on the roster, six full‑time trained staff are currently available, three are in training, and additional LTE and part‑time staff are supplementing shifts. Foldy said many staff pick voluntary shifts and that training is lengthy (minimum 12 weeks on the job). The board discussed recruitment approaches (job boards, community outreach) and measures to support staff, including a proposed 3% wage increase in the draft 2025 budget, mandated mental‑health checks (a sheriff’s office proposal), flexible shift options and a proposed decompression room so workers can rest during long shifts.

Supporters described the expansions as a mix of short‑term relief and longer‑term retention strategies; board members asked about costs, training burden and whether the county could return to a single full‑time slot if recruitment improved. The resolutions were forwarded and passed earlier in the meeting; no subsequent reversal or new funding source was announced at the Oct. 8 session.