By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—The Henry County 911 board approved its 2018-2019 budget, which at the request of Director Mark Archer, included a bump in salary for IT Coordinator Chad Howard.
Archer noted that Howard was hired four years ago at a low salary to gauge the need for an IT manager and that Howard has exceeded expectations in the position.
Archer noted that the city of Paris already has approved a two percent cost of living for employees and that Henry County is in the process of doing that and that he would accept only one percent “and I would take no raise if that would make it easier for you to bump Chad’s salary.”
Archer asked that Howard‘s salary be increased to $32,208 which would equal what the county’s dispatchers make in their fourth year. “This is not a cost of living raise for him,” Archer said.
Board Member Michael Williams said, “I’m in favor of bumping Chad up to $32,208, but I’m not in favor of only giving one percent to Mark.” Board Member Twila Rose agreed, noting, “It’s commendable that Mark asked for that, but he’s doing his job well, too.”
At the recommendation of Board Member Monte Belew, the board asked Archer to develop a pay step schedule for Howard “so he knows where his salary is going to be into the future.”
Archer, Board Member Chuck Elizondo and John Etheridge noted how extra much work Howard does. Elizondo noted, “He’s on call 24 hours and he helps the police department, the sheriff’s department and other departments, too.”
Looking ahead to next year, Archer spelled out the 911 office’s goals. He said his No. 1 priority will be ramping up 911 education to the local schools. Staff also will be driving all the county roads to check addresses, create a new website, develop power phone training for quality assurance, power phone quality assurance at the sheriff’s office, develop more software programming and split unit at the sheriff’s office in equipment room.
In other business:
–Board Members welcomed Mike Shankle to the board. Shankle served as the 911 Director for several years. Board President John Etheridge said, “I could not be happier that Mike was appointed to the board.” Shankle said he was honored to be a new member.
–New maps which have all the county roads on them were displayed. They will be used at the 911 office and the sheriff’s, Paris Police, fire departments, highway department, etc.
–The board approved the changes to Winding Way and Sycamore Lane. Archer said Sycamore Lane will be removed and letters were sent to residents informing them.
Photo: Board Member Norma Gerrell looks on as Chad Howard, left, and Mark Archer display new county road maps. (Shannon McFarlin photo).
Menu
