Summary
The FY20 Annual Overtime Report analyzes overtime expenditures across Philadelphia’s city government, which reached $201.4 million, surpassing $200 million for the first time. This represented a 16.4% increase over budgeted allocations and a $27.7 million increase from FY19.
The report highlights Police ($78.7 million), Fire ($58.0 million), and Prisons ($26.9 million) as the largest drivers of overtime costs. Human Services, Public Health, and the Sheriff’s Office also saw notable increases. While some departments, including Parks & Recreation and Fleet Management, managed to reduce overtime spending, overall usage continued to rise.
A major factor in FY20’s overtime spending was the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted city operations. Staffing shortages, public health emergencies, and emergency response efforts contributed to unplanned overtime expenditures. Despite this, citywide staffing levels remained below optimal levels, with an average staffing rate of 94.8%, further straining departmental resources.
This report underscores the need for strategic workforce planning, better budget forecasting, and improved overtime management practices. PICA’s analysis provides insights into how operational disruptions, emergency responses, and staffing challenges contribute to overtime trends, offering recommendations to mitigate future cost escalations and enhance financial oversight.