Retention bonus approved for Shawnee County dispatchers

TOPEKA ( KSNT ) – Shawnee County dispatchers are getting pay bonuses for their hard work and dedication after local leaders approved a one-time retention payout Thursday.

Shawnee County commissioners approved of a new contract on Sept. 26 for people serving as dispatchers. Part of this plan includes a one-time retention bonus of $3,000 while also providing various pay rates for different shifts.

The decision comes as the county looks to hire and keep dispatchers. Buddy Cordero, president of the local CWA Union, touched on the issue in a talk with commissioners.

“It’s very hard to fill positions with qualified people and in the dispatch center it’s even more difficult,” Cordero said. “It takes six months, nine months to get people trained and out on the floor.”

County commissioners say these changes will take place in 2025. The cost of this retention bonus decision amounts to $94,000 to be paid out of funds budgeted for next year.

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