Overtime in the Pittsburgh (PA) fire bureau has been “out of control” the past two years, city Controller Michael Lamb said in releasing an audit, reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Lamb said the overruns largely are attributable to a minimum staffing level — 163 firefighters on duty at all times — required by the fire union contract. Noting that improved building codes have reduced the number of structure fires in the city, Lamb said it’s time to reevaluate the staffing numbers.
In 2010, the bureau spent $10.8 million on overtime, 5 percent more than budgeted. Last year, it spent $11.8 million, 14 percent more than budgeted, according to the audit.
“Frankly, it’s been out of control in both of the years we looked at,” Lamb said.
In a statement, city Public Safety Director Michael Huss said, “The collective bargaining agreement calls for the current staffing levels, and we are honoring that agreement.”
However, Huss said overtime costs should be eased by a new group of 56 recruits, who begin training Jan. 7.
“Pittsburgh Firefighters do a great job at protecting life and property and we are proud to have one of the best response rates in the country,” he said.
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