Weather
Local NewsMilw. Fire Dept. Exceeds Overtime BudgetBy Tom MurrayMILWAUKEE - Just one month into the year, the Milwaukee Fire Department is already fighting to keep overtime under control. On Wednesday, MFD Acting Chief Michael Jones told the Common Council’s Finance Committee that he has exceeded his year-to-date OT budget by $236,289. The problem is linked to too many firefighters working on their off days.
The budget allows for 16 “special duty” firefighters per day. Jones said so far this year, the department is averaging 24.2 per day. Special Duty is the hiring of firefighters during their off days to cover shift vacancies created by vacations, holidays, paid off days and sick leave.
The total overtime/special duty budget for the year is $3.2 million. The department has already spent $555,935. If Jones kept pace with what’s budgeted, he should be at $319,645.
Jones anticipates a sharp drop in overtime hours when a new class of recruits comes on duty in February. Rookie firefighters earning base pay is much cheaper than paying MFD veterans overtime.
“As the class comes out, let’s see the numbers go down,” Jones told the committee.
A second class of 2010 recruits is expected to be on job by July.
|
|
