Public Works, Police Combine for Bulk of Evanston's Overtime Costs

A report looking at the amount of overtime costs the city of Evanston has incurred during the first quarter of 2015 shows they city is on pace to spend less than they did in 2014, but more than what was distributed in 2012 and 2013.

As of April 8, the city spent $577,245 in overtime costs, with Public Works ($318,362) and Police ($143,517) accounting for the bulk of the share.

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Overtime in the Police Department is primarily due to employees being off on FMLA and on-the-job injuries and illnesses, according to a memo from City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz. Both the Fire and Police Departments also incur overtime costs for training which is done by Police and Fire employees, he said.

Community Development, CMO and law departments are the only city services to not see any overtime this year.

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If the current pace keeps up, the city will spend less this year in overtime than in 2014 ($3,314,761), but more than in 2013 ($2,162,157) and 2012 ($1,803,230).

“Naturally, overtime costs will be incurred by the City to guarantee that services are not compromised, interrupted, or delayed,” Bobkiewicz wrote. “The City will continue to safely and efficiently provide essential services to Evanston residents while balancing the costs associated with overtime.”

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