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Torrance County boosts 911 starting pay amid staffing crunch
Summary
To address critical vacancies, the Commission approved raises for 911 operators: uncertified pay from $17 to $19 per hour and certified pay from $19 to $21 per hour; county manager said the change fits the current budget and aims to reduce overtime and turnover.
The Torrance County Commission on Aug. 14 approved raises for 911 dispatch pay to address urgent staffing shortages and heavy overtime. The board voted 3–0 to raise uncertified 911 operator pay from $17.00 to $19.00 per hour and certified operator pay from $19.00 to $21.00 per hour.
"I've been working in conjunction with 911 Communications Director Selena Carroll. This is something that's been on the forefront as we have lost dispatchers and are now at a critical state that we need to get these positions filled," County Manager Janice Barela said. Director Carroll told the board staffing shortfalls had left remaining personnel working multiple shifts and that higher pay was critical to recruit and retain operators.
The county manager said staffing payroll and overtime can be absorbed from the existing department budget and that the increase is intended to reduce overtime costs and attrition. Commissioners asked for ongoing monitoring and follow up in the next budget cycle to confirm outcomes.
