Last summer, the labor shortage was so profound, Lincoln County Communications and Sheriff’s Department resorted to advertising vacancies via lawn sign.  The communications center is once again seeking two emergency 911 dispatchers, but this time there seems to be a plethora of applicants. On Dec.7, County Administrator Carrie Kipfer reported two recent resignations, but the center already has potential replacements. 

Dispatcher Alexander Slagle submitted his resignation as of Jan. 1. He has worked for the center for over a year. Slagle is trained as a sound engineer and is leaving to work on a cruise ship. He will remain an on-call dispatcher. Carrie White was hired earlier this year, and has still been in the field officer training program. She resigned as of Nov. 1. Kipfer told commissioners the resignation resulted from White’s schedule not being conducive to her family responsibilities. 

Kipfer will post the vacancies, but told commissioners she doesn’t believe finding suitable replacements will be hard. “Some already knew about the dispatcher position and reached out to us. One applied after the most recent posting ended so we kept that one on file. Another certified dispatcher has contacted us, and a current dispatcher also recommended someone,” Kipfer said. 

In other action, commissioners authorized using American Rescue Plan Act funds for another upgrade of the communications center’s console. Last month, commissioners approved using ARPA dollars to fund communications center safety improvements. Commissioners approved $2,690 for the center’s wall reconfiguration and $152,000.08 for replacing the dispatch console. A third communications center purchase cost $2,759.50. This will convert radio traffic into signals into the new digital format. 

On Dec. 7, commissioners added another project. Commissioners will use another $10,450.20 in ARPA funds for replacing current dispatch headsets with wireless ear and closed mouth pieces. Commissioners also authorized $3,685.50 in non-ARPA funds so communications director Tara Doe could attend the International Academies of Emergency Dispatchers conference in Nashville. Kipfer told commissioners the conference was cancelled in 2020, and Doe hadn’t used any allotted travel expenses this year. 

Lincoln County is also in the midst of cleaning out the courthouse’s vault. Probate Clerk Catherine Moore requested a rolling storage shelving unit. Commissioners authorized using $25,000 from the current capital reserve account as a down payment and using Fiscal Year 22 funds to pay the balance of the $39,000 cost. W.B. Mason is constructing the unit, 91 inches wide and 170 inches long. “This allows us more room downstairs and for room to grow,” Moore said.

Commissioners ended the meeting in an executive session discussing a personnel issue. Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21 in the courthouse.