Firefighters' Overtime Causing Problems For Grand Rapids, Michigan Budget

The Grand Rapids Fire Department continues to present one of the city's most difficult budget problems.

After several attempts to curb overtime in the department, city officials are projecting the extra work will cost the city over $800,000 more than what is budgeted by the end of the fiscal year in July.

City Manager Kurt Kimball blames firefighters' abuse of sick-time for the problem. But, that's not the only problem.

The city's contract with firefighters, which was signed earlier this year, allows them to declare vacation days just a few hours before they're supposed to report for duty.

City commissioners want a report that details ways to reduce the overtime problem.

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