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Resident criticizes 9‑1‑1 overtime levels and $50,000 consultant contract
Summary
During public comment a resident challenged a projected $80,000 9‑1‑1 overtime estimate, questioned staffing and the $50,000 consultant contract, and offered to help for $30/hour; commissioners said scheduling and staffing tradeoffs require further analysis.
A public commenter at the meeting sharply questioned the county's 9‑1‑1 overtime projections and the cost and oversight of a consultant contract. The commenter said the auditor's figures suggest the county could face about $80,000 in 9‑1‑1 overtime and urged commissioners not to approve the consultant contract until more information was gathered.
"...why we estimate $80,000 or going to spend $80,000 in overtime at the 1 county 9 1 7," the commenter said on the record, and later added, "I offered to do this for $30 an hour," offering an alternative to the consultant contract. The commenter also criticized staffing turnover and said some dispatchers still work alone at times, which raises safety concerns.
Commissioners and staff responded that scheduling changes can generate overtime and that adding staff is often required to change shift patterns without increasing costs. Staff recommended pausing action until payroll and scheduling details were reviewed and recommended further analysis before approving any large contract or transfer.
The board agreed to postpone final action on the overtime transfer request and to review detailed payroll, overtime and contract records at a later meeting. Public speakers asked for clearer oversight of the consultant's work product and itemized hourly records; staff said they would provide contracts and the itemized bill for review.
