Board accepts state grant to pay one‑time retention bonuses for York County 911 telecommunicators

The board adopted Ordinance 24‑9 and Resolution 24‑68 on May 21 to authorize and accept grant funding for one‑time retention bonuses for York County 911 telecommunicators.

Staff explained the grant is a state‑administered reimbursement award intended to support retention of telecommunications staff. Under the program, eligible full‑time dispatchers receive a $2,500 bonus; part‑time employees receive a pro‑rata amount. York County staff said 69 telecommunicators qualify under the program (with six part‑time employees receiving a half bonus), and that they will draw down the awarded funds once the board adopts the enabling ordinance and resolution to appropriate the funds.

Supervisors praised the program as an investment in a high‑turnover, high‑stress public‑safety workforce; staff noted the grant was funded from telecommunication taxes collected statewide and that an approximately $4,000 remainder will not be used because of eligibility cut‑off dates.

The board adopted the ordinance and resolution by unanimous roll calls and authorized staff to accept and appropriate the grant for the stated bonuses.