Pay matrix proposal

Citing a 90 percent employee turnover rate in dispatch, and the need to have competitive wages to attract career-minded employees, Stillwater County Undersheriff Chip Kem is proposing a pay matrix for civilian employees, based on what is currently in place for deputies.
“This is clearly different from the rest of the county,” Kem said in a budget meeting with the Stillwater County Commissioners recently.
Under state law, deputies get a percentage of the sheriff’s base salary, plus 1 percent longevity for each year of service with the same agency. In Stillwater County, the sheriff’s base wage is $50,000.
What Kem is proposing is to apply that same concept to the 14 civilian, non-sworn employees – eight of which are dispatch positions.
“As a whole, out of 14 non-sworn staff, we only have four employees with more than one year experience in their position,” Kem wrote in a budget letter to the commissioners.
The percentages would be based on job descriptions, duties required, required specialized training and certifications, continued training, stress related to the specific positions and overall liability risks associated with position responsibilities.
If implemented now, the longevity pay would affect only three non-sworn employees.
While Kem acknowledged a recent dispatch pay increase to $13 an hour, he said it is not enough if the county wants to draw and keep employees – particularly in the dispatch division. There are currently four dispatch positions open.
The pay increases would range from $1.10 per hour to $3.20 per hour, according to calculations prepared by County Finance Specialist Joe Morse.
Kem presented wages for dispatchers from five other counties:
•Sweet Grass County - $13.35 starting/$14.47 after probation
•Carbon County: $16.55 starting / $20.72 after probation
•Laurel Police Department: $19.74 starting/$20.74 after probation
•Billings Comm: $12.82 starting/$14.42 after probation
•MHP Helena: $17.01 starting/$17.50 after probation
Columbus Police Chief Bill Pronovost wrote a letter of support of Kem’s pay increase and Kem told the commissioners that he had verbal support from Columbus Fire Chief Rich Cowger.
During the meeting Commissioner Maureen Davey said one dispatcher she knows was making $19 an hour and another one told her she left because she couldn’t take working four consecutive night shifts.
“So it’s not just the salary,” said Davey.
“No. I’m not saying that,” responded Kem.
Kem requested a second meeting on the matter with the commissioners before they make a final decision.