Commissioners approved Sheriff Scott Busching's request after he cited multiple issues at the Williams County Correctional facility and local issues he said made it necessary to do so.
Busching began by stating in order to provide adequate services at the correctional facility, he felt at this time it was appropriate to add, "at least two more people in corrections."
Busching said when the new facility first opened 10 months ago, it was likely that in time they would need to increase staff. He said with the increase in oil activity and an increase in people moving to Williston to work and live, the capacity to handle things at the current staffing level is becoming more and more difficult.
"Our calls for service are up, we've had several fights and assaults on officers at the facility. Occupancy is up approximately 25 percent," said Busching. Busching said they've been averaging about 44 inmates. He said that number peaked at 59 in October.
Busching said there usually is one or two officers among the inmates full time on most days, making for a very high officer-to-inmate ratio that can range from 1-to-30 or 1-to-35 at times.
"The courts are getting backed up, too. We're getting overwhelmed," said Busching.
Commission Chair Dan Kalil said the issues overwhelming Busching's department had been acknowledged in the past.
"We knew this day would come, but we didn't know it would come so soon," said Kalil.
Busching agreed with that point, mentioning he had touched on it with him and the other commissioners during budget hearings a couple months ago. He said at the time there was not a line item in his budget for more officers because he didn't know how long it would be until it became such an issue.
"I have a problem without a solution before you. I hate to do it, but we're having officer burnout from it. Extra sick leave, unexcused absences are up, all signs of officer burnout," said Busching.
He added it's been making for a large increase in overtime being paid. He said last year's budget called for about $13,000 in overtime. So far this year they've spent about $40,400 in overtime.
Commissioner David Montgomery said the request seemed very reasonable.
"If their job is to ensure the safety of the residents of the county, I believe we should be making sure they have the ability to do so," said Montgomery.
A motion to approve the request passed 3-0 with commissioner Don Arnson not in attendance. The District 5 seat is current vacant after the resignation of Raymond Schmidt took effect Nov. 2.
In an unrelated matter, the commission heard a request from Jeff Roel, Williston Basin RC&D Coordinator, to have the county provide $2,000 for the File of Life program.
The File of Life program consists of a card that lists items such as a patient's name, emergency medical contacts, medications, allergies, health problems and so on. Roel said the card is primarily for the elderly and is posted on refrigerator doors for emergency personnel if they're called to their home.
"In the event of an emergency, they'll be able to notice it on the fridge. I think it's a very good program," said Roel.
Roel said Divide and McKenzie counties each have a share of $1,000 in the program, which they've already approved. Williams County was being requested to spend a share of $2,000 because of the larger population compared to the other two counties joining in the program.
The commission approved the request unanimously.
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