Corbin struggles with 911 dispatcher shortage

The City of Corbin is facing an essential worker shortage in the lifeline that police officers and firefighters rely heavily upon – the 911 dispatchers.

At Monday’s regular monthly meeting of the Corbin City Commission, the commissioners accepted the resignation of dispatcher Amanda Woods, who will be leaving Corbin dispatch on March 31, due to personal and financial reasons,” she explained in her resignation letter read at the meeting by Corbin City Clerk Tori Mouser.

When asked about the situation, Chief Rusty Hedrick said Woods’ resignation will leave Corbin Dispatch short four dispatchers from the eight needed.

Hedrick told the commissioners that money is the biggest issue noting that the county dispatch centers are starting new hires out at $13 per hour while Corbin starts theirs out at $11.75.

“Amanda left for $2 more per hour to go back to Whitley County,” Hedrick said of Woods noting that of the four dispatchers employed at Corbin, there are more than one with years of experience that are making $11.75.

“I think we’ve got an emergency here,” said Commissioner Trent Knuckles, noting local fast food restaurants are offering $11 an hour to start.

The commissioners agreed to raise the two experienced dispatchers that are currently making $11.75 to $14 per hour.

“They are very good, the ones that we have,” Hedrick said of the dispatchers. “We are lucky to have them.”

Fire Chief Barry McDonald agreed.

“They are our first line of defense,” McDonald said. “We’ve got to have them.”

In addition, on Hedrick’s recommendation, the commission agreed to increase the starting pay for dispatchers to $13 per hour.

In addition, the commission authorized City Manager Marlon Sams to advertise to fill the vacant dispatcher positions.

Hedrick said the four vacancies are full-time positions.

Applicants should have typing skills and good verbal communication skills along with the ability to multi-task.

Applicants must pass a criminal background check.

“We can’t hire anyone with a felony conviction,” Hedrick said.

More information is available by contacting the Corbin Police Department at 528-1122.