The Starke County Council members considered a request from Starke County Chief Dispatcher Stacy Noonan to create a new full-time position with the department.
She requested a floating dispatcher position that would alleviate the amount of overtime and part-time that is being used now. Noonan stated that $10,000 has been used in overtime costs already this year. The total cost was just under $40,000 for 2021.
Noonan explained that the person in that position would be flexible and have set hours and fill in for others who take vacations.
Sheriff Bill Dulin stressed that there is more than one dispatcher working on a 12-hour shift in order to have the staff to answer all calls that come into the Justice Center.
Council President Dave Pearman said funding for benefits was a concern, but it may come out as a wash if overtime costs could be alleviated.
Council members agreed to create the position and put it in the handbook as a floating dispatcher position. The additional appropriation for the salary will be advertised for consideration in March.
