The Jackson County Commission on Nov. 10 approved an interim change to the county personnel policy to authorize overtime compensation for full‑time deputies who work courthouse security duties, effective Nov. 3.

The change was proposed after county law‑enforcement representatives told commissioners a full‑time courthouse security employee resigned last week, leaving the sheriff’s office dependent on part‑time staff and off‑duty patrol deputies to cover the courthouse. A law‑enforcement representative (Speaker 5) described the staffing gap and asked the commission to allow deputies to be brought in off duty and paid overtime "in the short term" so security posts are filled.

"We've got one in the academy now ... The bad news is our one full time employee that was working courthouse security has resigned," the law‑enforcement representative said, explaining why the overtime authority was needed.

Commissioners discussed budgetary and legal constraints, including retirement earnings limits for post‑retired officers and possible alternatives such as private security. Pension/HR staff (Speaker 6) noted rules that limit how retired officers can be used under post‑retirement contracts. County officials said the overtime would be covered in the short term by existing budgeted but unfilled patrol salary lines and by moving funds into overtime classifications.

Chair (Speaker 1) put the policy change to a motion and the commission approved it by voice vote. The motion recorded the interim policy "to authorize overtime compensation for full term deputies for all hours work performance courthouse security duties effective November 3." No roll‑call tally was recorded in the minutes.

The commission directed staff to implement the change and to return to the body if longer‑term solutions — such as hiring dedicated courthouse security staff, creating a jailer position, or contracting with private security — are recommended.

What happens next: staff will update the personnel policy records to reflect the interim authorization and include the change in payroll processing for the applicable pay period.