WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS APPROVE PAY INCREASE FOR DEPUTIES
The Washington County Commissioners approved a pay increase for six sheriff’s office deputies during their meeting today (Tuesday).
The commissioners held a closed meeting to discuss the issue.
Washington County Judge John Brieden says the idea was brought to them by Sheriff Otto Hanak:
Sheriff Otto Hanak says the raises were not out of the ordinary based on county policies.
County policy dictates that employees are evaluated after 90 days with the opportunity to increase their pay one step, which is approximately 3 percent in pay.
Sheriff Hanak says the pay step increase will go to the newly hired sheriff employees. He also mentioned the office remains short staffed due to competitive salaries in neighboring counties.
The commissioners also approved changes to the Washington County Personnel Policy Manual concerning EMS policies.
Additions to the updated manual include the change from a “24-hours on, 48 hours off” shift policy to “48 hours on, 96 hours off”. Judge Brieden says they have been utilizing the new shift formula since January and it has been successful.
Also during the meeting, the commissioners approved:
- A re-plat on Airport Road in Precinct 1
- A formal notice for utility installation on S. Berlin Road for a water line bore
- A variance request pertaining to the fronting of FM 389 in Precinct 4
The commissioners tabled a variance request concerning fronting of Christian Cemetery Road. Precinct Four Commissioner Joy Fuchs said they need more time so they can go through the proper channels to make sure the variance is environmentally sound.
Great news for sheriffs department, long awaited. But what is wrong with giving the public the actual facts and details of this decision? Why the need to be so obtuse? I can only assume the raise comes from the 8 hours of overtime from the switch of 24 hours on to 48 hours on? The Feds just passed legislation to eliminate time and a half for overtime, even for unions. It requires overtime be compensated with time off from work ( when your employer approves). Things just keep getting better huh?
I think you’re conflating the pay raise and the EMS policy change. The deputies (for reasons unknown to us, only 6) got the pay raise. EMS only got a policy change related to their new 48 on, 96 off schedule.
Wish it could be explained why only 6 deputies got pay raises. Makes you wonder about the morale of the other employees at the Sheriff’s Office. Would like to know which 6 deputies got the raises and why they were choosen over the other deputies. Its concerning!
Thought there was 16 patrol deputies, 6 investigators, and 4 sergeants. Who are the lucky 6 that got pay raises? What about the other 20?