Portland probes $2M in firefighter overtime
The city of Portland has begun hiring a consultant to review the city's fire department, which spent over $2 million in overtime wages last year.
City Councilor John Anton told the Portland Press Herald that the $16 million fire department spending is of particular concern as one of the larger portions of the city's $200 million budget.
Councilor Edward Suslovic told the paper that the recommendations from a consultant "could be significant in terms of restructuring and reorganizing."
Regarding overtime spending, city spokeswoman Nicole Clegg said that firefighters are typically scheduled for a 42-hour week and are eligible for overtime if they go over their scheduled hours, Clegg said. Firefighters typically work two 24-hour shifts every eight days, she said.
The city is looking for proposals from consultants by Oct. 16 and will look to have a review in hand by March 30.
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