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Sheriff and EMS leaders cite staffing, overtime pressures in 2026 budget talks
Summary
Sheriff Brent Miller, EMS Director Tony Floyd and 911 Director Kelly Sargent told the council that staff turnover, holiday coverage and vacation shift coverage are driving high overtime costs; council appointed a committee to meet with EMS, 911 and the sheriff to seek solutions before the 2027 budget.
Public safety officials told the Washington County Council that overtime demands are driving higher 2026 budget requests. Sheriff Brent Miller told the council that staff turnover, holidays and covering vacation shifts contribute to his department’s elevated overtime line. "Staff turnover, holidays and covering shifts for vacation time is a few of the reasons this line item is so high," the transcript records.
EMS Director Tony Floyd submitted an amended EMS budget and reiterated overtime concerns. 911 Director Kelly Sargent joined discussion with the sheriff about overtime pressures. Councilmember Preston Shell said the council needs to look at overtime but accepted it may not be eliminated entirely; Council President Mark Abbott said he was not sure there was an easy answer and favored keeping the requested overtime amounts for 2026. A committee of Councilmembers Brad Gilbert, Todd Armstrong and Andrew Davisson was formed to meet with EMS, 911 and the sheriff before the 2027 budget to explore potential solutions.
The council did not adopt permanent policy changes during the meeting; members directed staff and the ad hoc committee to pursue options before the next budget cycle.
