By: Matt Scher, matts@977thebolt.com
Humboldt, IA – The Humboldt County Public Safety Commission will look internally for its next communications officer supervisor after members debated the position’s responsibilities, cost and whether to seek outside applicants.
The commission met Tuesday, August 25 to discuss and take possible action on a communications officer job description.
One of the main questions was whether the supervisor should continue working as a dispatcher. The proposed job description initially stated that dispatching duties would be performed only on an “incidental basis.” That language was changed to say “dispatching duties are performed as needed.”
The change came after commissioners discussed the need for the supervisor to remain familiar with the day-to-day operation of the dispatch center and be available when staffing issues arise.
Officials also discussed the financial impact of the position. The current top dispatch pay was identified as about $26.50 an hour, or roughly $55,500 annually. The proposed supervisor position could pay about $65,000.
County officials said the supervisor would handle administrative responsibilities, including scheduling and budget work, while also having the ability to dispatch when needed.
The commission also discussed whether the position should be advertised outside the county. The commission fielded arguments that an outside search could bring in new candidates, while others favored keeping the process internal. The commission ultimately voted 3-1 against seeking external applicants and then approved an internal posting.
County officials said the position must be posted internally for three to five days. Employees interested in the job can express their interest during that period, after which the commission will review the candidates.
The discussion also included the current work being done by Humboldt County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Kyle Bissell, who told commissioners he has been spending about 15 to 16 hours a week working on dispatch-related administrative issues. He said his work over two months had identified approximately $98,000 in savings for Humboldt County taxpayers.
Bissell said he expects the work to take about six months to get fully organized before it can be turned over to the new supervisor.
The commission plans to continue the process at a future meeting.