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Board reviews amended MOU with sheriff to secure 50% reimbursement for on-site deputy
Summary
Directors discussed amended contract language with the county attorney that permits DSS to claim reimbursement for a deputy if the deputy has a desk in the DSS office; the board and staff asked clearer wording and examples to define when the deputy may be pulled for other duties.
The board reviewed the sheriff's office Memorandum of Understanding and an amended contract circulated by County Attorney Richard Williams that would permit Rutherford County DSS to claim reimbursement for part of a deputy's salary and benefits when the deputy is assigned to the DSS office.
What was presented: Director Hunt said the sheriff and Captain Ellis agreed a deputy would be assigned a desk in the DSS office and that once the deputy's desk is established the agency may draw down reimbursement. A board representative explained, "So we can get 50% reimbursement for that salary and benefits," describing the fiscal benefit of the arrangement.
Points of contention: Several board members asked the attorney to clarify wording that currently reads "shall not utilize the DSS deputy doing the designated work day for duties other than set forth herein except emergency situations." Members worried the phrase "shall not" plus an emergency exception could be read too broadly or too narrowly. The chair and others urged adding examples and parameters (for instance, specifying that a deputy may respond to life-safety emergencies or assist with female searches when appropriate) so the MOU both protects DSS fiscal claims and respects sheriff operational needs.
Staff noted prior practice where the deputy logged presence from her car and the state financial liaison advised that a desk and on-site presence are cleaner for audit purposes. Director Hunt said she will follow up with the county attorney to add clarified examples of "emergency" or "primary duties" and return language that balances fiscal requirements with operational reality.
Next steps: The director will consult with County Attorney Williams and Captain Ellis to propose revised MOU language that includes examples and parameters for pulling the deputy; the board will review proposed wording before signature.
