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Commission authorizes two part‑time dispatch positions to curb overtime
Summary
Director Jeff Ridgeway told the commission the hires would use existing budgeted funds, reduce overtime and avoid additional health insurance costs; commissioners approved authorization to staff up to two part‑time dispatchers.
Jeff Ridgeway, director of emergency communications, asked the commission for authorization to hire up to two part‑time dispatchers to ease overtime and cover training gaps. Ridgeway said the department currently staffs 14 full‑time equivalents, is training personnel, and would use experienced former employees where possible. "Basically, the theory is that we would pay straight in those areas that we would have been paying overtime," Ridgeway said, describing cost‑neutral personnel coverage.
Commissioners questioned whether part‑time hires would require different training or HR classification; Ridgeway said they would complete the same required trainings (CPR, certifications) but would not be benefit‑eligible. County staff said job descriptions and pay grades would remain the same and HR would be updated with the staffing change in the 2027 budget process. Commissioner Nathan Leiker moved the authorization to staff up to two part‑time dispatchers; the motion carried by voice vote.
