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Commissioners ask staff to review non‑union pay scale after part‑time pay disparities surface
Summary
Commissioners heard that part‑time dispatchers and deputies were moved onto a new non‑union scale this year, creating pay-step disparities with union scales; commissioners directed management to evaluate the non‑union scale and consider adjustments rather than negotiating individual hires.
Commissioners and an agency official discussed disparities between the non‑union pay scale and recently renegotiated union scales, which broke out separate scales on Jan. 1 and removed early steps in the union schedule. An agency official said some hires have been 'kicked back' because submitted pay rates did not match the new scale.
Participants noted the county’s practice is to allow management to set competitive starting rates within policy rather than the commission individually negotiating wages. One commissioner asked staff to evaluate the non‑union scale and determine whether adjustments are needed to reduce hiring barriers for part‑time dispatchers and other non‑union positions. "We need to evaluate our non‑union scale and determine whether that needs to be adjusted," one commissioner said.
Speakers emphasized the difference in benefits between part‑time and full‑time roles — part‑time employees typically do not receive vacation, sick time, retirement or other fringe benefits — and discussed short‑term options such as hiring at a higher step temporarily while awaiting a comprehensive reclassification. No formal policy change was adopted; commissioners indicated the appropriate next step is a staff review and potential management action to request budget adjustments if needed.
