Commissioners combine PCIP programs, approve certification pay for constable and sheriff offices

Washington County Commissioners on Nov. 25 voted to expand and consolidate the county's PCIP (pay/certification incentive program).

The court approved adding a $1,000 civil process proficiency certification pay for eligible positions in the constable's office, a change proposed by Constable Holly. Holly described the certification as challenging and ongoing: "It's not an easy thing to do," and said the department could use the funds from existing budget lines to cover the payment this year.

Separately, the court approved adding telecommunicators certification pay for eligible positions in the sheriff's office, a change requested to recognize employees who must maintain access to NCIC/TCIC and other law-enforcement databases. The sheriff identified two employees by name as affected: Jackie Watson and Becky Millard. Commissioners discussed whether the certification should be part of base pay when it is required by the job description and directed human resources to update job descriptions in future budget cycles as appropriate.

County staff presented an amendment to combine two previously separate PCIP documents into one policy governing eligibility across the county's law-enforcement and prosecutorial offices. The amendment clarifies that certification pay is limited to positions where the certification is a job requirement; other administrative staff would not automatically qualify.

A motion to approve the civil process proficiency pay and the PCIP amendment was made, seconded and carried. Commissioners noted that if another employee becomes eligible next year the budget may require a small internal reallocation to cover additional payments.