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Commissioners authorize up to two part‑time dispatchers to reduce overtime
Summary
To address staffing gaps and reduce overtime costs, the board approved authorization for the Communications Director to hire up to two part‑time dispatchers; motion passed 2–0.
The Board of Ellis County Commissioners voted April 14 to authorize hiring up to two part‑time dispatchers to reduce reliance on overtime and improve retention. Communications Director Jeff Ridgway presented the request, explaining that part‑time staff would fill routine gaps caused by vacation, sick leave, training and vacancies; Commissioner Nathan Leiker moved to authorize the hires and Chair Neal Younger seconded. The motion passed by voice vote, two to zero.
The county's rationale, as recorded in the minutes, emphasized cost and staffing stability: part‑time dispatchers would be used primarily to fill scheduling gaps and to reduce mandatory overtime that increases personnel costs and contributes to employee fatigue. Commissioner Leiker made the motion, "I move to authorize the Communications Director to staff up to two part‑time dispatchers," which was adopted by the board. The motion and its outcome were recorded; the transcript does not list candidates or specific salary details.
