Title
a. Support amending the FY 2026-27 Emergency Communications Department Adopted Budget (1340-152001) to reallocate one (1) vacant Emergency Communications Dispatcher II to one (1) Emergency Communications Supervising Dispatcher as indicated in Attachment A, effective in the pay period beginning November 14, 2026; and
b. Support directing the County Administrative Office and the Auditor-Controller to incorporate the approved position changes in the FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget and the Human Resources Department to implement the changes in the Advantage Human Resources Management (HRM) system.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Budget Committee:
a. Support amending the FY 2026-27 Emergency Communications Department Adopted Budget (1340-152001) to reallocate one (1) vacant Emergency Communications Dispatcher II to one (1) Emergency Communications Supervising Dispatcher as indicated in Attachment A, effective in the pay period beginning November 14, 2026; and
b. Support directing the County Administrative Office and the Auditor-Controller to incorporate the approved position changes in the FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget and the Human Resources Department to implement the changes in the Advantage Human Resources Management (HRM) system.
SUMMARY:
The Monterey County Emergency Communications Department (ECD) is a consolidated Public Safety Answering Point for 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls as well as a radio dispatch facility serving 28 law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency medical response agencies throughout Monterey County.
ECD is seeking approval and authorization to reallocate one (1.0) vacant Emergency Communications Dispatcher II (CDII) to one (1) Emergency Communications Supervising Dispatcher (Supervisor). Currently ECD has 56 authorized CDIIs and 8 authorized Supervisors and if this action is approved, the authorized position counts will change to 55 and 9, respectively and the total authorized positions for the ECD would remain unchanged at 74.
DISCUSSION
As part of the FY2026/27 budget process, ECD eliminated one (1) vacant Operations Coordinator position. This position was never filled but was created with the intention to be a step toward enhancing supervision, leadership, and operational oversight within the Department. With the Coordinator position no longer available, ECD has reassessed how best to address its continuing supervisory needs within the existing allocation.
This action would restore ECD to nine Shift Supervisor positions, which is the same supervisory staffing level included in the FY 2024-25 adopted budget before the Department began pursuing the Coordinator position as part of its enhanced supervisory structure.
Existing Supervisors are assigned across all shifts to provide direct operational oversight. Their current responsibilities cannot be further distributed without reducing supervisory coverage, employee coaching, performance feedback, training support, and oversight of daily operations.
Department managers have broader program and administrative responsibilities and cannot consistently absorb shift-level supervision. Although qualified dispatchers may serve as Assistant Duty Supervisors, they remain responsible for line-level dispatch duties and do not have the full authority or responsibilities of a classified supervisor.
Because of rotating training academies and employee attrition, ECD does not fully staff CDIIs so this action will not impact the true filled CDIIs at any given time.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The associated Request to Classify (RTC) for this change has been reviewed and approved by the Human Resources Department. County Counsel has reviewed and approved this action as to legal form. The County Administrative Office - Budget and Analysis Division has reviewed and approved this action.
FINANCING:
The associated positions are funded from Special Revenue Fund 1340 and this action will have no impact on the General Fund. The related salary and benefit cost increase for this action for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2026-27 is approximately $10,450 and is expected to be absorbed into the existing adopted budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The proposed actions demonstrate the County’s commitment in recruiting, retaining, and attracting a diverse, talented workforce that supports the mission of the County of Monterey.
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
_X__ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Link to the Strategic Plan:
<https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showdocument?id=139569>
Prepared by: John Vaught, Finance Manager II, x8883
Approved by: Lee Ann Magoski, Director of Emergency Communications, x8880
Attachments:
Budget Committee Report