Summary
The FY16 Annual Overtime Report examines the City of Philadelphia’s overtime expenditures, which reached $170 million, marking the highest level of overtime spending since FY10. This amount was $45 million over the budgeted allocation, continuing the trend of exceeding overtime budgets for the sixth consecutive year.
The report identifies 23 out of 28 tracked departments that overspent their overtime budgets, with the Sheriff’s Office, Streets, Fire, and Public Property Departments exceeding 150% of their allocations. The Police Department alone accounted for nearly $64 million in overtime spending, further driving the budget overages. Key drivers included emergency responses, staffing shortages, and large-scale events such as the 2015 Papal Visit.
PICA’s report stresses the importance of proactive workforce planning and realistic overtime budgeting. The City’s Five-Year Plan sets a goal of reducing overtime by $18.25 million, with targeted reductions in Police, Fire, Prisons, Streets, Parks & Recreation, Public Property, and the Free Library. However, overtime has consistently increased across these departments, highlighting the need for improved oversight and long-term staffing strategies.
This report serves as a critical financial management tool, providing recommendations to enhance overtime tracking, implement department-level reduction plans, and ensure responsible fiscal stewardship.