Jacksonville increases overtime budget for public safety and infrastructure services

The City of Jacksonville's Duval DOGE Special Committee convened on May 6, 2025, to address significant budgetary concerns, particularly regarding overtime costs across various departments. A key takeaway from the meeting was the ongoing reliance on overtime to manage staffing shortages, especially within the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) and the Fire Rescue Department.

The committee discussed the financial implications of using overtime instead of hiring additional staff. It was noted that departments are absorbing costs through vacancies rather than expanding their workforce, which has led to increased overtime expenditures. For instance, the Fire Rescue Department reported a $16 million increase in costs, attributed to staffing growth and the need to maintain service levels amid ongoing vacancies.

Public libraries also faced scrutiny, with a notable increase in security costs due to the requirement for police presence rather than private security. This raised questions among committee members about the necessity of such measures and whether alternative solutions could be explored to reduce expenses.

The discussion extended to the Parks and Recreation Department, where members questioned the feasibility of contracting private companies to manage weekend operations, potentially alleviating the burden of overtime costs. The department indicated that they are considering hiring staff specifically for weekend shifts to better align with peak usage times.

Overall, the committee emphasized the importance of analyzing overtime usage and exploring cost-effective staffing solutions as they prepare for the upcoming budget cycle. The discussions highlighted a critical need for strategic planning to ensure that public services remain efficient and financially sustainable in the face of rising operational costs.