Four part-time jobs approved at County jail. Here is what we know.

A change in job classifications at the Eddy County Detention Center could save taxpayers nearly $75,000 in the long run, said Warden Billy Massingill.

Eddy County’s Board of County Commissioners agreed to change two full-time Eddy County Detention Center (ECDC) officer positions to four part-time on call positions.

The full-time positions were vacant. In a memorandum to commissioners, Massingill wrote Eddy County set aside $191,000 for both jobs, including benefits.

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By changing the jobs to four part-time positions, Massingill said salary costs would go down to $109,000 a year. There are no employee benefits with the on-call positions.

Massingill said on call the jobs can act as an extra source of income for retired people receiving payments from the U.S. Social Security Administration. Along with those who work seven days a week and then are off for another seven days.

“You have individuals that would like working two shifts to subsidize what they’re doing,” he said.

Eddy County Commission records indicated the four on-call positions pay over $1,000 a month and total employee pay is $29,000 a year.

Monthly costs for the two full-time employees varied from $2,000 a month to $3,700 a month. Which translates to a yearly wage of $95,000 a year, read commission records.

Hourly pay would not change as wages range from $26.21 to $26.87 an hour for full-time, part-time and on-call employees.

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Three advantages of working part time

The employment website Indeed defines part-time work as employment of less than 40 hours per week.

Maximizing personal time was the first advantage of part time work, according to Indeed.

More free time allows someone to pursue special interests or education and provides a better work-life balance, read the website.

Flexible work hours was another advantage cited by Indeed. Working part time allows someone to determine how many hours they want to work.

Flexible hours gives someone an opportunity to explore multiple career options.

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Increased earning potential was another part time working advantage.

Part time employees can increase earnings by advancing and earning promotions while on the job, per Indeed.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.