The Holyoke City Finance Committee voted Nov. 24 to transfer $300,000 to the fire department's overtime account to cover staffing shortfalls through the fiscal year.

Chief Katalebich told the committee the department had difficulty filling positions earlier in the year: "Out of the 7 we hired, we were able to get 3 through the physical... We've just actually hired... another 8, this past Wednesday night. We're hoping that they'll be able to start in January as long as the physicals... go the way we would like them to go." The chief said the department had been about 14 positions short and estimated there was just under $100,000 remaining in the current overtime budget; the $300,000 move is intended to get the department through June 30, the end of the fiscal year.

Councillor Sullivan clarified whether the transfer covered the calendar or fiscal year; the chief confirmed it was for the fiscal year. The council moved, seconded and approved the transfer by roll call.

The chief said the extra funding should slow overtime demands once the new hires are cleared to start in January, and thanked the council for support. No additional conditions or reporting requirements were stipulated in the meeting for the use of the transferred funds.