Collin County adopts amended overtime policy effective Oct. 1; court authorizes pay for overtime already worked this fiscal year

The Collin County Commissioner's Court on Thursday approved an amendment to the county overtime policy and authorized payment of overtime already worked for the remainder of fiscal year 2024.

County Administrator Yoon Kim told the court the amendment could take effect immediately but staff recommended an Oct. 1 (FY2025) start to align with budget timing. Kim also provided budget context, saying the sheriff’s overtime line is budgeted at $233,000 in FY2025 and that nearly $2,200,000 in overtime has accrued in the current fiscal year. "In theory, if it's passed today, it would take effect today," Kim said, adding his practical recommendation that the policy start Oct. 1.

Commissioners debated amendment language about whether overtime payments require available funding in an overtime line item and whether any commissioner (rather than only the county judge) should be authorized to sign off on payroll to avoid delaying payments. One commissioner urged prompt payment to employees: "I just wanna make sure our people get paid." Another moved that the court approve overtime pay under standard practices for specified departments.

After amendments and discussion, the court voted to adopt the amended Collin County Overtime Policy effective Oct. 1; the motion carried 4 to 0. The court also directed HR/payroll and budget staff to pay hours already worked through the end of the fiscal year and approved overtime for specific departments — the animal shelter, sheriff’s office, road and bridge, and elections — under standard practice. Budget and HR staff said they would perform a year-end cleanup and move vacancy savings monthly into overtime line items as needed.

The court left procedural details for staff to implement and asked budget and the auditor’s office to reconcile and report as part of the year-end process.