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Middletown approves transfers to cover fire-department overdrafts; officials cite vacancies and overtime
Summary
Council approved intra-department transfers to cover fire-department overdrafts after staff said vacancies, several personnel in academy training and retroactive pay increases raised overtime costs; city will continue working with the department and labor counsel to identify root causes.
The Middletown Board of Estimate approved transfers within the fire department's budget on Nov. 14 to cover overdrafts and keep operations funded for the remainder of the year.
The chair read a list of requested transfers covering overtime, equipment, personal protective equipment, radios, hose and appliance, uniform allowance, training and materials. Staff detailed causes for the overdrafts, citing vacancies, three personnel in academy training, at least one long-term absence and retroactive salary increases that increased overtime liability.
Council and staff said they are working with the fire department and labor counsel to identify and address root causes and that additional adjustments may be needed depending on operations over the remaining months. The motion to transfer funds passed on a voice vote.
Officials said the action addresses current operational shortfalls and will be followed by further review of staffing, scheduling and overtime practices to limit future overdrafts.
