Police employees association reports sustained overtime; council members cite retention and funding challenges

Justin Primofori, president of the Fortuna Police Employees Association, told the council that members worked 351.75 hours of overtime during the pay period from Oct. 5 to Oct. 18 and that the grand total since the June 29 pay period is 3,314.75 hours. Primofori said that, measured over the reporting period, the department averaged 207 hours per week (about 414 hours per pay period) and credited a lieutenant's voluntary coverage of a graveyard shift for saving roughly 50 hours of overtime in the most recent pay period.

"This isn't a recruitment issue. It's a retention issue," Primofori told the council, urging cooperation among the city, the association and community stakeholders. He said money is a major factor but that organizational steps could also help.

Council members thanked officers and acknowledged the strain on staffing and families. Council member Connolly said the city will need to consider funding options and a possible ballot measure to address persistent staffing shortfalls; Connolly encouraged residents to consider how many officers they want visible on the street if a future measure is proposed. Mayor Pro Tem Trent and other members expressed appreciation to officers and noted ongoing conversations between council and police leadership about retention and internal advancement opportunities.

There was no formal council action attached to the report; council members said they will continue discussions with staff on recruitment, retention and possible funding options.