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Williams County expands state "Back the Blue" bonus program to include non-licensed staff and dispatchers
Summary
Commissioners approved expanding a state retention/bonus program for licensed peace and corrections officers to include locally funded bonuses for non-licensed sheriff's office staff and dispatchers; memo shows just under $30,000 will be allocated to cover taxes and local supplements.
Williams County commissioners voted Dec. 2 to accept and duplicate at the local level a state-funded "Back the Blue" program intended to retain and recruit licensed peace officers. County staff also proposed allocating local funds to extend bonuses to non-licensed support staff and dispatchers who support licensed officers.
Helen, speaking for HR, said the legislature approved funds for licensed officers and corrections staff; local jurisdictions must design programs to distribute the funds. HR proposed a tiered approach that gives a larger portion to entry-level licensed staff and a smaller amount to senior licensed employees. The county would add just under $30,000 to cover employer-side taxes and to provide similar bonuses to non-licensed staff who are considered critical to operations, including dispatchers.
The board moved, seconded and approved the program expansion by roll call; commissioners recorded unanimous "Yes" votes in favor. County staff said funds are available in the dispatch and sheriff's office budgets and that the county will include related dollar amounts in upcoming budget amendments as needed.
