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Council questions DPW overtime after busy fall events and Parks requests
Summary
Councilors pressed DPW about a recent rise in overtime hours; DPW staff said most overtime stemmed from Parks & Rec events (panther hunt, barbecue blues, movie nights) and increased weekend trash pickups paid through the DDA.
Councilors raised questions about an increase in DPW overtime recorded in the departmental report. Council member Behrman noted the fiscal‑year overtime figure exceeded the recent three‑year average and asked where the overtime was coming from.
DPW staffer Tim said most overtime related to Parks & Recreation activities: the fall “panther hunt” event accounted for about 160 overtime hours in one month, plus other events such as the barbecue blues and Thursday movie nights. Tim also said weekend trash pickup along Wixom Road—work reimbursed to the city through the DDA—contributes to higher weekend hours. He said two crews working the LEAF program have reduced overtime on that specific program this year.
Deputy Mayor Resnick and other councilors suggested the city consider budgeting or structural changes to contain overtime while ensuring event and park services continue. DPW staff agreed to coordinate with Parks & Recreation and to bring options forward for the next budget cycle.
