County Council approves part-time patrol officers, IT technician, and dispatch position for Sheriff's Department

County Council members unanimously approved a series of staffing recommendations Monday morning to address immediate patrol coverage needs and long-term operational improvements within the Sheriff's Department.

The recommendations came from Nicole Cox, chairman of the Job Classification and Compensation Subcommittee, who presented them during the council's regular meeting at the County Building.

Cox told the council that Sheriff Hassel approached the subcommittee with a need for additional part-time patrol officers, as the department currently has three merit officers out.

The sheriff requested 40 hours per week at $45.00 per hour for part-time coverage. However, the subcommittee recommended — and the council approved — 40 hours per week for 12 weeks at $38.00 per hour, which aligns with the rate paid to part-time lake patrol officers.

Cox noted that the part-time patrol officers cannot start until the council's next meeting on October 13, as an additional appropriation will be needed to cover the added expense. She said the 12-week arrangement should get the Sheriff's Department through the end of the year, and if the need persists, the sheriff can return with another request.

Cox also informed the council that the current department administrator has stated they will be leaving. The sheriff has advertised the position and received several applications but is waiting for the official notice of resignation before making a hire. Additional funds will be needed to cover training for the replacement.

A new IT Technician position is included in the 2027 budget, Cox said. The subcommittee will bring a recommendation to amend the Salary Ordinance at the January meeting so the position can be filled.

Cox explained that adding the IT Technician will free up two patrol officers who are currently assisting in the IT Department, allowing them to return to patrol coverage duties — providing additional relief to the Sheriff's Department's staffing challenges.

Additionally, a civil processor in the Sheriff's Department is retiring. The sheriff requested moving that position to an additional turnkey/dispatcher position, a move the council approved.