A command reorganization plan implemented this week by Davis County Sheriff Rob Davis will save the county nearly $9 an hour in salary costs and will streamline the jail's operation, Davis said.
The proposal eliminates half the sergeants in the corrections division, increases the number of lieutenants from one to three, and creates the new rank of corporal.County Personnel Director Steve Baker estimates the plan will save the county $8.72 an hour in direct wages and $1.75 an hour in benefits. The plan received final approval from the County Commission last week.
"When I took office, we established a mission statement that called for more efficient use of personnel and public funds, and by reorganizing the command structure we meet both of these goals," said Davis, who took office in January.
"I think everybody is excited about the change," said jail commander Capt. Jan Cunningham.
According to Davis, the new plan will put a lieutenant over each shift, to provide better supervision of jail operations and provide a more direct chain of command.
"Two sergeants will be promoted to the rank of lieutenant. A new rank of corporal will also be established, then a corporal will be chosen for each shift to supervise the intake and release of prisoners," Davis said.
The change is the first of what Davis predicted will be many more in the department.
"We have made a real effort these past two months to establish a mind set in the department to work smarter and more cost consciously," Davis said.
"I have asked each of the captains to review their procedures and come up with some proposals to help meet our department goals. The change we're making in the jail is the first of many changes we are looking at in the department," the sheriff said.