Fentress Commission Meeting To Address Employee Losses

The Fentress County Commission is reconvening on Monday to address employee pay in two departments.

County Executive Jimmy Johnson said solid waste and the sheriff’s department are losing employees. Johnson said the goal is to come up with a pay increase that is attractive but also feasible.

“Solid waste asks for like $1.50 more on starting pay,” Johnson said. “The sheriff’s department is asking for a $3 bump which will put us close to a lot of our surrounding counties and more than some of our surrounding counties.”

Johnson said that pay increases in private sector wages have been the driving force behind losing county employees. Johnson said if a pay increase is agreed on it could help the county retain the employees they train and certify who some times leave for higher pay outside of Fentress.

“You’ll send deputies or other employees to schools and such but you can’t blame anyone for trying to better themselves,” Johnson said. “Especially if they have a family, if it’s there then you need to. Because it’s your life income and you can’t blame anyone for going some place else if they can get more.”

The Fentress County Commission will meet at 6:00 on Monday. Johnson said he hopes the county can come to a decision that can resolve employee retention problems.