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Committee pre-files transfer to cover 911 dispatcher overtime after multi-year shortfall
Summary
Putnam County’s Personnel Committee pre-filed a resolution June 9 to transfer funds to cover 911 dispatcher overtime, citing recent overtime runs near $375,000 while the current budget set aside $200,000; two new dispatchers are in training and the 2027 budget will increase overtime provisioning.
The Putnam County Personnel Committee on June 9 voted to pre-file a resolution to transfer funds to cover overtime costs at the county 911 dispatch center, the committee was told.
Commissioner James Oster of the Bureau of Emergency Services said overtime for dispatchers has run about $375,000 over recent years while the current budget included $200,000, prompting the request for a transfer. Oster told the committee the department recently hired two dispatchers who are in training, and that an officer who had been on administrative leave (costing about $30,000) has returned to work.
Oster said the department expects the 2027 budget to include a more appropriate overtime allocation and that he may need to request another transfer later in the year if circumstances require it. Legislator Sayegh asked whether the 911 Dispatch Center is understaffed; Oster confirmed that staffing is an issue but said the new hires should help reduce overtime as they complete training.
Chairwoman Addonizio moved to pre-file the necessary resolution; Legislator Sayegh seconded and the committee voted unanimously in favor. The pre-filed resolution will be introduced to the full legislature for formal consideration.
