Summary
Overtime spending from Philadelphia’s General Fund grew 75.6 percent from FY18 to FY25, with total spending reaching $315 million in FY25. This growth was largely driven by persistently high vacancy rates, pandemic-related staffing challenges, and expanded services in departments such as Fire and Sanitation. As staffing levels recover, the report highlights the need for careful management to ensure overtime remains a flexible tool rather than a persistent budgetary strain.