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Commissioners discuss $25‑a‑day on‑call stipend for salaried staff; board tables proposal for further analysis
Summary
IT director Jake Nichols proposed a $25‑per‑day on‑call stipend for select salaried employees to formalize 24/7 availability; commissioners raised budget, retirement and equity concerns and voted to table the item pending more data from affected staff and budget impact analysis.
Jake Nichols, the county’s IT director, presented a proposal on June 2 to establish a $25‑per‑day stipend for certain salaried employees who carry on‑call responsibilities (facilities and EMA roles were highlighted). Nichols said the intent is to simplify compensation for employees who are effectively available 24/7 and to allow regular rotation. He described the structure as $25 per day while on call, regardless of whether an employee is actually called in, with weekend and holiday rules discussed.
Commissioners and staff questioned payroll‑tax and retirement impacts, the treatment of hourly employees (who would receive time‑and‑a‑half for call‑ins), and whether the stipend should count toward benefits. One commissioner noted the figure would cost roughly $9,125 annually per position before taxes and benefits; others estimated a 30–35% multiplier when payroll taxes and retirement are included. Several commissioners said the proposal needs Amanda’s operational data, a clearer budgetary estimate, and discussion of equitable treatment across departments.
The board agreed to table the proposal and asked Nichols to forward usage statistics and cost estimates to Jamie and the budget committee for further review; commissioners emphasized that any stipend must be budgeted and that the timing likely prevents inclusion in the current budget cycle without further analysis.
