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Sheriff's office authorized to hire up to two part-time dispatchers to address shortages
Summary
The court approved use of existing part-time funds to hire up to two part-time dispatchers at $28.15/hour to cover current shortages, and commissioners discussed retention and the possibility of moving to 12-hour shifts during future budgeting.
Mark Arnett of the sheriff's office told commissioners the office needs to hire part-time dispatchers to cover vacancies and prevent staffing gaps; he asked to use current part-time funds in department 560 to hire up to two part-time dispatchers at $28.15 per hour. The court approved the request after a motion, and the presenter said three full-time dispatcher positions are currently open and more departures are anticipated over the next several months.
Commissioners pressed for long-term retention strategies, including possible pay-scale adjustments during the budget process and operational changes such as adopting 12-hour shifts used by neighboring agencies. Arnett said a switch to 12-hour shifts would require overtime adjustments but could be implemented if staffing levels allow. The court recorded the motion as carried; staff indicated the budget committee will review retention and compensation proposals.
