JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Stutsman County Emergency Manager and 911 Coordinator Jerry Bergquist spoke before the Stutsman County Commission Tuesday evening regarding the dispatch staff.

Bergquist brought forth information on pay grade comparison. Bergquist says most of their employees are getting a pay increase, but the two employees who have been there longest are scheduled to get a 1.5% cost of living increase.

Bergquist says they lost staff in June and four more after that and continue to cover through overtime.

Commissioner Steve Cichos asked if they conduct exit interviews and what the reason for the high turnover rate was.

Bergquist says in other cases, medical conditions or family reasons forced their employee to walk away from the job. Because of this, he estimates they’ve spent a lot of money on just training new employees who then have left.

Because of this, dispatchers are experiencing burnout and need time off, but aren’t able to get it. Bergquist requested the commission to give the two longest tenured staff a salary increase just to even the playing field.

Bergquist says if they lose another employee, the costs will be incomparable with the cost of raising salary for those employees. Auditor Nicole Meland stated there would be enough money in the budget to meet Jerry’s request.

Stutsman County Sheriff Chad Kaiser advocated for the pay increases.

Kaiser stated the crew is getting “worked to death” with the ongoing dispatch shortage and they can’t afford to lose them.

Commissioner Ramone Gumke expressed his experience with dispatch and the need to retain the staff.

The commission approved and the job descriptions and pay increases will go into effect January 1st.