LAWTON – Saying it needed more information, the Board of Comanche County Commissioners delayed action Monday on negotiations over possible premium pay for certain workers.
The commissioners discussed the issue with their legal advisor behind closed doors before reconvening in open session, where they said they were not ready to act.
“We need more information to be gathered so we can make a decision on premium pay for additional employees,” said Chairman Alvin Cargill. “So, it’s tabled for now.”
Cargill said Wednesday that he could not comment further until the commission has more information.
Two months ago, the commission set aside $1.36 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to provide hazard pay for all essential county employees who worked between April 1, 2020, and May 1, 2021, and remained on the county’s payroll. Essential employees were defined as workers whose jobs require them to interact with the public, as well as those who routinely handle items that other people have touched.
The $1.36 million included premium pay for people who work for the Comanche County Agricultural and Industrial Exposition and Fair Public Trust Authority or the Comanche County Facilities Authority. The remaining funds will provide premium pay for people who work directly for the county.
In other business, the commission tapped Cargill to serve as chairman for another year and Vice Commissioner Gail Turner to keep that position in 2022. The two will also serve as chairman and vice chairman, respectively, of the Comanche County Facilities Authority and the Comanche County Educational Trust Authority.