Commissioners adopt amended overtime policy, direct payroll to pay overtime already worked

The Collin County Commissioners Court voted to adopt an amendment to the county overtime policy, setting an effective date of Oct. 1, 2025, while directing staff to address a funding gap for overtime already incurred in FY2024. County Administrator Yoon Kim told the court that "in theory, if it's passed today, it would take effect today," but recommended beginning the practical application on "10/01/2025" so it aligns with FY2025 budgeting and the sheriff's overtime line item of $233,000.

Commissioners debated whether a commissioner or the county judge should be authorized to sign off on overtime payments and how vacancy savings should be moved into overtime line items. The court adopted the amended policy by voice vote — the judge announced the motion "carries 4 to 0." For the remainder of FY2024, the court directed payroll, HR and budget staff to allow payment of overtime that has already been worked and approved a separate motion to permit overtime pay under standard practices for specified departments including the animal shelter, facilities, the sheriff's office, road and bridge, and elections. As Budget/HR staff noted, one-year "year-end cleanup" adjustments will be used to reconcile payments, and auditors will review those actions.