In an effort to curb overtime costs, Oconto County will hire a part-time employee for the 911 dispatch center.
County officials said overtime in the center has surpassed $94,000 already this year.
The center has eight full-time employees and one part-time employee. It is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A minimum of two people work each shift.
The part-time employee works close to full-time hours because the department is short-staffed, according to Sheriff Mike Jansen.
The employees are responsible for receiving and dispatching police communications, 911 emergency calls and emergency medical services radio communications, in addition to other duties. The new employee will work approximately 24 hours per week and earn $17 to $22 an hour.
The telecommunications position was one of three approved by the County Board on Thursday. The board also created a part-time child support legal secretary position and assigned Janell Zak to the role, leaving a part-time vacancy in the district attorney’s office. The 2014 budget included $31,000 for wages and benefits for the new position.
Zak also will maintain her part-time position in the corporation counsel department.
The third change expands the position of corporation counsel from part time to full time beginning Jan. 1. The job is a contracted position held by Cheryl Mick, who earns $125 per hour, for an average of 20 hours a week. In July, she replaced Robert Mraz, who left the half-time position to become a full-time assistant district attorney. Compensation for the converted position is $78,000 to $101,000.
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