Summary
The FY19 Annual Overtime Report analyzes overtime spending trends across Philadelphia’s city government, reporting $172.9 million in total expenditures. While this represents a $6.4 million decrease from FY18, it remains the second-highest overtime spending level in the City’s history. The report highlights the persistent challenge of budget overruns, with city departments exceeding their overtime allocation for the ninth consecutive year, overspending by $18.1 million.
A key focus of this report is departmental spending, with ten key departments accounting for 97% of total overtime costs. The Fire, Sheriff, and Streets Departments significantly exceeded their overtime allocations, while others, including the Police and Prisons Departments, successfully reduced costs. Staffing shortages remained a major factor in overtime spending, with low-staffed departments incurring higher-than-expected costs.
Despite some progress in reducing overtime costs, this report underscores the need for stronger budget controls, improved workforce planning, and better forecasting of overtime needs. As the City continues to face financial pressures, this analysis serves as a critical resource for policymakers to enhance fiscal oversight and workforce management.