Etowah sheriffs department withdraws from county personell board

Sheriff Todd Entrekin

Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin presented a letter Tuesday to members of the Etowah County Commission, notifying them that the sheriffs department will be withdrawing from the county personell board.

Entrekin said in the executive office of sheriff, he has the authority to withdraw and operate separately.

However, the sheriff’s office will continue to work with the personnel department for logistical and administrative support for coordination of payroll and benefits.

Entrekin already has begun working to establish a personnel policy and procedure manual that will address the needs and demands of the sheriff’s office. He also will establish a personnel board that is familiar with issues related to a 24/7 operation such as the sheriff’s office.

The current personnel board that regulates county employees is based on employees who have a Monday through Friday work schedule, he said, and work typical hours. He said he is required to have deputies working 24 hours a day, and those who are not working are subject to being called out to work after hours.

While Entrekin said he has the authority to withdraw from the personnel board, he also has asked the county’s legislative delegation to pass a bill establishing a personnel board for the sheriff’s office.