The Anacortes City Council’s personnel committee reported in August 2025 that the city has made recent hires and is approaching full public-safety staffing, while police overtime remains a recurring budget item partially offset by third‑party reimbursements.

Committee members said staffing improved in August, with six hires cited and two contingent offers for firefighter/paramedic positions; the police department had two openings at the time and three contingent offers in process, which the committee said could bring the department to full staffing. The planning director also noted forthcoming operational staffing changes in planning permits, but that was discussed separately under planning committee reports.

Councilmember Christine Cleland McGrath summarized overtime and reimbursement figures introduced at the personnel meeting: the city’s budget lines for police overtime were roughly $150,000 per year; 2025 year‑to‑date overtime was projected near $168,000, similar to 2024 levels. She said reimbursements — for third‑party events and mutual‑aid assignments — offset a portion of those costs. Examples cited by staff and committee members included revenue tied to events such as the Oyster Run and Island County or State Patrol mutual‑aid reimbursements for drug‑recognition experts. Committee members noted reimbursements totaled about $47,000 in 2024 and roughly $23,000 midway through 2025, with staff observing the 2025 pace appeared on track to partially offset overtime costs.

Personnel committee members also reviewed hiring numbers across departments: six hires in August (three parks seasonals and three student recreation assistants), eight exits (seven seasonal), and four active job postings including equipment mechanic and park maintenance technician. Committee discussion emphasized the possibility that overtime will not drop to zero even when vacancies are filled, because a larger roster increases shift overlap and operational coverage needs.

No formal personnel policies or budget amendments were adopted during the meeting. The committee requested continued tracking of overtime trends, reimbursements and contingent offers and recommended staff produce follow‑up reports so the full council can evaluate staffing and overtime within the next budget cycle.