The Clark County Quorum Court will decide whether to approve raises for dispatchers, sheriff’s deputies and jail staff

arkadelphian.com

In a lengthy meeting Friday afternoon to give preliminary approval to the 2024 budget, the Quorum Court Budget Committee favored raises across the board for county employees, with focused attention given to dispatchers, jailers and sheriff’s deputies.

The decision now heads to the full Quorum Court for its approval before it’s made official.

The proposal was approved as presented by county Judge Troy Tucker, with dispatchers receiving an additional $3,000 per year; jail staff $4,000; and sheriff’s deputies $5,000. All general county employees are set to get a $1,000 raise with the new budget. The county’s seven elected officials are due to receive a $3,000 raise.

The county has historically paid dispatchers from its general fund, and in doing so has built a $2 million surplus for its 911 fund. Dispatcher salaries would now be paid from the latter, which is funded from landline and cell phone fees.

Asked by Justice Garry “B.J.” Johns, who chairs the committee, how long the 911 fund would be able to cover dispatchers’ salaries, Tucker said there is no guarantee that the fund would always be able to cover the cost. But, he added, many Arkansas counties have the same issue.

A special-called Quorum Court meeting is tentatively planned for 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27, for justices of the peace to consider the proposed 2024 budget.