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Commission authorizes up to two part‑time dispatch positions to reduce overtime costs
Summary
The commission authorized the communications department to hire up to two part‑time dispatchers, a move the director said would avoid additional budgeted costs by replacing overtime with straight pay for experienced former employees.
Ellis County authorized the communications department to staff up to two part‑time dispatchers after Emergency Communications Director Jeff Ridgeway explained the agency's staffing strain during training periods and the overtime burden on night crews. Ridgeway said the county could bring back at least one or two former employees familiar with equipment to reduce overtime and that doing so "would not incur any additional costs above what's already budgeted." The commission moved and seconded the authorization and approved it by voice vote.
Commissioners asked about translation support, extra training requirements and whether positions would require handbook or pay‑grade updates; Ridgeway said the positions would not be benefit‑eligible but would complete routine certifications such as CPR. The county will adjust budget authorizations and human resources job listings as needed when the 2026/2027 staffing numbers are updated.
