Overton Buying Back Sheriff, EMS Vacation Days

Overton County has approved a plan to buy back vacation days from employees working in understaffed departments.

Commissioner Patrick McCurdy said workers in county’s EMS and Sheriff’s Departments have been unable to take vacation because those shifts must be covered by law. McCurdy said the county can now pay for up to seven vacation days for twelve-hour employees and five for regular employees.

“If we can’t give them the money that I think they deserve, the least we can do is be reasonable about their vacation days,” McCurdy said. “Again, the county’s not out any money and this is what they want. And if it builds morale and they’re happy with it and the county’s happy with it, it’s a win-win for everyone.”

McCurdy said the commission approved the plan for one year and will revisit the matter next year to see if it is still necessary. McCurdy said the recent countywide pay raise should alleviate the issue further by bringing in more staff.

“We’re told that at least the sheriff should be fully staffed, the jail, just in a couple months, which is awesome,” McCurdy said.

McCurdy said the EMS and sheriff’s department both requested the buyback from county officials over the past six months. McCurdy said the plan does not cost the county any money because it uses money that was already allotted for vacation pay.

“If fact, the county’s going to save money,” McCurdy said. “Because those people will work at regular time instead of time and a half.”

McCurdy said commissioners felt it was important that county employees were compensated for their vacation since they are working extra hours through no fault of their own.