SHERIFF'S WORKERS TO GET BACK PAY

Employees of the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department who worked overtime in 1993 and 1994 will get an extra paycheck ranging from $3 to $1,433.

The department violated federal fair labor standards when it compensated employees for overtime. If employees worked 10 hours overtime, they got 10 hours compensatory time. They should have gotten 15 hours.

The U.S. Department of Labor has investigated the department's records during the past two weeks. Ron Moore, a compliance officer with the labor department, told the Cape Girardeau County Commission Thursday that he found violations in 1993 and 1994.

Norman Copeland was sheriff at the time.

The commission agreed to pay the money determined to be due. The other choice would be to pursue the matter in court, said Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones.

The violation will cost the county $10,452 in back pay to the 45 employees and former employees affected. Jones said no fines or penalties will be assessed because it was the county's first offense.

Jones said 99 percent of investigations by the labor department are prompted by complaints. The name of the person who complains isn't made public, and some complaints are anonymous.

Sheriff John Jordan said the department changed its policy concerning overtime. The new procedures, he said, exceed the legal requirements.

Employees who are still working at the sheriff's department will have their choice of receiving the back pay in cash or in time off. Those who no longer work at the sheriff's office will get a check.

AT A GLANCE

The department's violation of federal fair labor standards in 1993 and 1994 will cost the county $10,452 in back pay.

Forty-five employees and former employees are affected.

They will get checks ranging from $3 to $1,433.