PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia city government continues to struggle with overtime costs, according to an audit report released by City Controller Christy Brady. The audit found $2.2 million in unauthorized overtime in the 2023 fiscal year.
More than a quarter of that — nearly $696,000 — was spent by the city’s prison system, which has been grappling with understaffing since the pandemic.
Other departments with high overtime costs included the Department of Streets, Office of Innovation and Technology, Philadelphia Water Department, Department of Human Services and Office of Children and Families, Sheriff’s Office, Free Library, and the Office of Homeless Services.
“We understand departments may require employees to work overtime to provide essential city services,” Brady said in a statement. “It is imperative for management and leadership to pay close attention to their budgets and follow all payroll approval guidelines.”