Public Safety Use of Overtime and Cutback Management: A Case Study of the Grand Rapids, Michigan Fire Department

Nancy Recker

  To meet their budget reduction target under current policy, the Grand Rapids Fire Department (GRFD) proposes to eliminate 18 firefighter positions, switch to a civilian dispatch center and eliminate excessive overtime. Within three years, overtime at the GRFD more than doubled, from $1,023,583 to $2,245,583. GRFD management claims the overtime problem began when the City Commission mandated a minimum daily staffing level of 57 firefighters on duty at all times. They contend this policy creates an environment encouraging the abuse of sick leave and work schedules, and prevents them from scheduling and operating the workforce in an efficient manner. This analysis recommends restoring the 18 firefighter positions, civilianizing the dispatch function, and adopting a “total authorized staffing” model with 334 firefighters on the authorized personnel roster, allowing (rather than mandating) daily staffing levels of 57.