Overtime costs down at city fire department
NORWICH – At the end of the 2006, the City of Norwich decided to implement scheduling changes at the fire department to lower the number of overtime hours. While the final numbers have not yet been tallied, preliminary findings show a significant improvement.
At last week’s meeting of the Public Safety / Public Works Committee, Chairman Terry Bresina said it looks as if the fire department will likely stay within its budget for the 2007 year. The budget for 2007 totaled $1,114,441, of which $81,595 was for overtime costs. The 2007 budgeted amount was more than $600,000 less than the previous year, and the city had hoped that scheduling changes would help to keep the department within its budgeted amount.
So far, the changes seem to have worked. ““We’re taking significant steps to really reduce overtime,” Human Resources Director Deborah Deforest explained in March. “The numbers for 2006 could look high compared to where we hope to be for 2007.”
Scheduling changes were put into effect at the fire department at the beginning of 2007. The changes allowed for less firemen to be on duty during the night time hours, when statistics show there were a fewer number of calls. The department also hired more part-time firefighters to cover shifts so the hours aren’t adding to the overtime amounts.
While the fire department seems to be within budget for the year, the police department may go over for the first time in years. The 2007 budget for the police department totaled $1,119,340, of which $79,000 was dedicated to overtime costs. Overtime costs there are higher than usual this year due to absences, injuries and new hires that require training outside of Norwich. In addition to that, there were some major crimes that took place this year, requiring extra hours of investigation.
Police Chief Joseph Angelino had explained at a previous meeting that police officers are also required to fill in for absent school crossing guards. He indicated that at least two of those crossing guards see virtually no children, due to the reorganization of the schools, and suggested closing the two stations.
The City of Norwich will present its budget for 2008 at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27.
At last week’s meeting of the Public Safety / Public Works Committee, Chairman Terry Bresina said it looks as if the fire department will likely stay within its budget for the 2007 year. The budget for 2007 totaled $1,114,441, of which $81,595 was for overtime costs. The 2007 budgeted amount was more than $600,000 less than the previous year, and the city had hoped that scheduling changes would help to keep the department within its budgeted amount.
So far, the changes seem to have worked. ““We’re taking significant steps to really reduce overtime,” Human Resources Director Deborah Deforest explained in March. “The numbers for 2006 could look high compared to where we hope to be for 2007.”
Scheduling changes were put into effect at the fire department at the beginning of 2007. The changes allowed for less firemen to be on duty during the night time hours, when statistics show there were a fewer number of calls. The department also hired more part-time firefighters to cover shifts so the hours aren’t adding to the overtime amounts.
While the fire department seems to be within budget for the year, the police department may go over for the first time in years. The 2007 budget for the police department totaled $1,119,340, of which $79,000 was dedicated to overtime costs. Overtime costs there are higher than usual this year due to absences, injuries and new hires that require training outside of Norwich. In addition to that, there were some major crimes that took place this year, requiring extra hours of investigation.
Police Chief Joseph Angelino had explained at a previous meeting that police officers are also required to fill in for absent school crossing guards. He indicated that at least two of those crossing guards see virtually no children, due to the reorganization of the schools, and suggested closing the two stations.
The City of Norwich will present its budget for 2008 at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27.
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