County Commissioners Fail to Vote on Twice-Tabled Agenda Item
“You’ve got to stop thinking of the jail in the same terms as all other County offices. Ya’ll can just put a sign on your door and close up shop,” Justice of the Peace (Pct. 3) Cinnamon Archibald to County Commissioners recently. “The jail can’t do that. We have to be open 24/7 with at least two licensed jailers on the floor at all times.”
The heated topic arose during the recent Freestone County Commissioners Court meeting, held Wednesday, September 28, 2016. The issue dealt with six jailers who were not able to take several of their holidays off due to major understaffing.
The Employee Handbook Policy states that if an employee is unable to take a holiday off, they would be allowed to take another day off with holiday pay within the following 60 days.
The problem here is that, since the jail is understaffed, jailers are not able to take their Holiday, Sick, or Vacation time off.
State of Texas requires that there must be two jailers on staff 24/7 to keep the jail up and running. This requires twelve hour shifts, four days on, one day off.
Sheriff’s Administrative Assistant, Mary McDonald, came before Commissioners to request the jailers be paid for their missed holidays as a show of appreciation and thanks for jobs well done for these employees working with dedication to help save the County money.
Jail Administrator L.J. McAdams stepped forward and informed Commissioners that, if the jail should be forced to temporarily vacate due to understaffing, it would cost County Tax Payers about $35,000 per month to pay another county, most likely Limestone, for housing Freestone’s inmates.
The request to pay these six employees for their missed Holiday pay would cost the County a total of $3,375.28, of which there are sufficient funds in the budget available to cover the amount.
“Ya’ll don’t get it,” exclaims JP Judge Cinnamon Archibald. “Jailers must be licensed. Just because a deputy is available to work a shift, doesn’t mean that they can. It doesn’t work like that! These jailers are dedicated workers and are trying hard to save the County money by not missing any time. This is the least ya’ll can do for them!”
“I make a motion to pay these guys,” says Commissioner Luke Ward, Sr. (Pct. 1). “I feel like we are obligated. These jailers have worked their holidays because they didn’t have the option not to; and shouldn’t be punished for doing their job.”
“I second that motion 100%!” exclaims Commissioner Clyde Ridge (Pct. 4).
Commissioners Bodie Emmons (Pct. 3) and Craig Oakes (Pct. 2) both voted against; leaving the final decision to be made by County Judge Linda Grant.
“I think these employees’ supervisors should be working instead of making the jailers work,” states Oakes.
“I don’t think they should get paid for it. They should have to take the time off, like the policy says,” explains Emmons.
“Well, I do feel sorry for these employees,” states Judge Grant. “But I can’t vote against policy, so I vote no.” On that note, the meeting was quickly adjourned.
“Maybe we should let the jailers and treasurer’s office trade places for a while, and then maybe they would understand,” says Judge Archibald; to which many in the extremely packed court room expressed agreement.
Once Judge Grant hit the gavel, employees and other guests quickly left the courtroom, gathering in groups outside to discuss their outrage, and in some cases, agreement, with the outcome of the proceedings.
In other business, County Commissioners once again failed to address a change to the policy regarding holiday and sick time pay to Paid Time Off (PTO). For the third time, Commissioners discussed the possibility of making the change, but the issue did not come to a vote during the special called meeting.
“I’m in favor of leaving the policy as it is,” Ridge. “Leave it alone. Do not change.”
“I agree, keep it the same,” states Ward.
Since the policy is already in place, and Ridge and Ward did not want to change it, no motion was required.
Although Emmons previously stated that he was in favor of the policy change, and Oakes explained that he needed more information prior to making a decision, neither made a motion to change the policy.
The agenda for their next meeting set for Wednesday, October 5th at 9:00 a.m. has an item to discuss the maximum amount of money to be paid to an employee upon their departure as an employee of the County.
Regular meetings occur on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, beginning at 9:00 a.m. All employees and residents of Freestone County are invited and encouraged to attend.
