WLBT.com - Jackson, MSCity of Jackson: overtime, over budget

Cold weather is known to wreak havoc on the city of Jackson's antiquated water line system. This year, the City has tried to repair weak lines before the onset of cold weather. That has resulted in extended work shifts, and overtime pay.

The Public Works Department is one of three city departments that racked up enough overtime in the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 to push the city's overtime as a whole to 13 percent over budget.

The City Council discussed the matter this week.

"I don't see any end in sight as far as the Public Works, the number of emergencies they respond to," says Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon.

A quarterly allotment for overtime would be 25 percent. But the City of Jackson spent 38 percent for overtime for the first quarter, which ended December 31.

Along with Public Works, Public Safety went over budget, and the Jackson Fire Department spent the most in overtime for the quarter, $341,000. Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson has told the council that the U.S. Department of Labor has had contact with the City about the overtime, and has prompted the City to search out a better computerized system for keeping track of work hours.

We asked Mayor Johnson if the city has been in any violation of state or federal labor laws.

"We're anxious to make sure we comply with all (Department of Labor) requirements, all state requirements. It's not just a matter of edicts going down to managers. We gotta make sure policies and procedures in place are consistent with federal law and state law," he says, adding that he has an exit interview with the Department of Labor next week.

Mayor Johnson says the work load for some employees may soon be eased.

"We think we can correct this overtime overage, if you will, during the next three quarters in both police and fire. We'll have more boots on the ground, so to speak," Mayor Johnson says.

In March, JPD will put 31 new officers on the streets. Another recruit class is right behind that. The fire department is also working with two new recruit classes.

City departments' overtime budgets are also crippled by the number of employees on medical leave and military leave. 

Despite the overtime issues, the city's total budget for the first quarter is at 23 percent; 2 percent under budget.

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