Dawson County officials are prioritizing staffing needs as they prepare for the 2025 budget, with significant requests aimed at enhancing public safety and operational efficiency. During the second day of the budget hearing, the sheriff's office highlighted the urgent need for additional personnel, particularly in detention and GCIC (Georgia Crime Information Center) roles, to address rising demands and improve service delivery.

Sheriff's representatives reported a current staffing shortfall, with two detention officer positions requested to support the academy's increased training hours. This change is expected to alleviate pressure on existing staff and ensure a steady pipeline of recruits for patrol duties. The sheriff's office currently has ten total openings, including two in detention, a notable improvement from previous months.

Additionally, the sheriff's office is seeking to establish two GCIC technician positions to enhance operational capacity at the 911 center. This move aims to relieve 911 operators from GCIC responsibilities, allowing them to focus on emergency calls while providing 24-hour coverage at the sheriff's office front window. The implementation of these positions is seen as a critical step in improving response times and overall public safety.

The budget discussions also touched on the need for a new position within the clerk's office to manage an increasing caseload of estates and guardianships, driven by the county's growing retiree population. The clerk emphasized that the current workload has surged by 60%, necessitating additional support to meet legal deadlines and provide timely services to residents.

As the meeting progressed, officials acknowledged the importance of competitive salaries to attract and retain qualified personnel. The sheriff urged the board to consider a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and merit increases to remain competitive with neighboring counties, which have recently raised their pay scales.

The discussions underscored the county's commitment to addressing staffing challenges and enhancing public safety services. As Dawson County continues to grow, officials are focused on ensuring that the necessary resources are in place to meet the evolving needs of the community. The board is expected to deliberate on these requests as they finalize the budget for the upcoming year, with a clear emphasis on supporting public safety and operational efficiency.