Change in Compensation for Deputy Sheriffs Achieved
Courtesy Stuart Miles and freedigitalphotos.net
Recently I have brought issues to the attention of the public regarding the primary underlying issue(s) of why we lose employees; that being compensation. Basically at least each and every year I have been in office I have brought these issues to the attention of the County Commission and hoped we could find resolution for our deputy sheriffs and the Courthouse employees. Unfortunately each and every year if we were able to address the matter it usually was a small cost of living raise or other minimal adjustment.
This does not mean our County Commission had deaf ears or refused to address the matter at all. They too have a job to do which is primarily the overall county budget and appropriations for each elected officials office. In no way have I ever meant to infer the Commission lacks compassion or concern. But I do believe the Commission has not been able to address the matter in equality with other area entities, such as to the City of Chillicothe.
In the past our staff has offered to help the County Commission do whatever is necessary and prudent to help educate the community on our needs and goals for our deputies and county employees. Unfortunately our community is like most others in this country and economically we are struggling.
In previous years I have asked the County Commission to eliminate what is called the 171-hour rule for our deputy sheriffs. That rule requires the deputies to work 171 hours in a 28-day pay period prior to receiving compensation and one and one half times their normal hourly pay. Basically a deputy in our office had to work 40 hours each week for 4 weeks and if required to work overtime had to work an 11 additional hours before that was compensated at the premium overtime rate. The 171-hour rule is legal per Fair Labor Standards and is an option municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies can use, but they are not required to do so. We could compensate premium overtime for anything after 40 hours per week or after 160 hours in a 28-day pay schedule.
My thoughts have always been if we cannot equally compensate our employees with other area agencies, why not eliminate the 171-hour rule and apply that to one of the positives in working for our organization. In years past the County Commission was not open to that change and they have their reasons for that decision. Again I am not saying they were wrong in their decision, but I disagreed with their choice.
Recently I placed a Poll Question on our office website basically asking for public opinion as to if a Livingston County Deputy Sheriff should receive time and one half overtime after 40 hours per week or continue on the 171-hour rule. The poll ran for about 1 week and the results were overwhelming in that 98.3% of those voting supported compensating the deputies at one and one half overtime for hours worked beyond 40 in a week and to eliminate the 171-hour rule.
During the time that poll was on our website I had the opportunity to meet with the current Livingston County Commission about this very subject. I felt our meeting went well and at the conclusion the County Commission took the mater under advisement and said they would notify me later that day. The afternoon I learned the commissioners chose to agree with compensating our deputies for all actual overtime worked.
Our deputies do not receive overtime or holiday pay unless there is sufficient money in the budgets for this office, so this should not impact our overall budget. All deputies receive comp time and beginning November 01 that will be calculated at what I believe is a fair rate of compensation for these men and women that are here for you, your family, and your friends.
Although our Poll Question and public results were not discussed with the County Commission, I believe it is fair to say your support and input had a big part in the outcome of that meeting. For that and all your continued support for this office and our staff, I truly Thank You!
Please enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday and spend time with family and loved ones. Be safe and let me know if we can help you.
Respectfully,
Steve Cox