UNION, WV (LOOTPRESS) — The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Monroe County Commission are responding to what they describe as misinformation surrounding deputy pay, overtime and nighttime law enforcement coverage.
In a joint statement released Monday, August 17, Sheriff Michael Heller and the commission said deputies continue to provide law enforcement coverage around the clock and are paid for overtime when they are called out to respond to incidents after normal working hours.
“I understand these rumors have caused concern, and I want our community to know the truth,” Heller said in the release. “Our deputies are protecting this county twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and they are being paid for the work they perform, including overtime worked on after-hour calls.”
According to the statement, the issue currently being discussed is not payment for overtime hours deputies have already worked. Instead, deputies are requesting overtime compensation for periods when they are considered “on call” but are not actively working unless dispatched. The county said deputies are not required to remain at the office during those periods and may engage in personal activities while waiting to see if they are needed.
The commission and Heller said the request is being reviewed through budgetary and administrative channels. County officials said decisions involving deputy compensation must take into account taxpayer funding and the county’s financial obligations.
The statement also alleges the county has been threatened with a lawsuit seeking back pay for on-call hours when deputies were not actively working. The commission and sheriff said they oppose using taxpayer money to compensate deputies for those inactive periods, while maintaining that deputies who are actually called out are paid for their time.
Despite the dispute, county officials praised deputies for their service and said the department remains committed to both fair compensation and responsible use of taxpayer funds.
“The deputies of this department are dedicated public servants who continue to respond to calls, patrol our roads, and keep this county safe day and night,” the statement said.
