Fiscal Note
This overhire would have no immediate impact on the levy or State Expenditure Restraint Program limits. The total maximum cost of these overhires is $207,400, but the actual cost may be offset by savings from possible resignations. An additional appropriation may be requested later in the year after a review of the financial status of the Police Department through third quarter 2007.
Title
Authorizing the Police Department to overhire 5 police officers in May 2007.
Body
WHEREAS, due to the retirement and/or resignation of commissioned staff, the Police Department currently has 15 police officer vacancies, in addition to the 10 vacancies for positions added in the 2007 budget; and,
WHEREAS the annual Pre-Service Training Academy begins in May, 2007, but will not provide officers available for assignment until January, 2008; and,
WHEREAS there are 55 commissioned officers eligible for retirement during the next year, which could leave a significant number of vacancies that would not be filled with fully trained officers available for assignment until January, 2008; and,
WHEREAS the Madison Police Department has evaluated the impact of these vacancies on staffing levels and has serious concerns about maintaining appropriate levels of service in the event that a number of officers are unavailable for assignment; and,
WHEREAS training additional recruits in 2007 would help to decrease the impact of unfilled assignments in January 2008; and,
WHEREAS in the past three years an average of 7 commissioned staff resigned between May and December; and,
WHEREAS the City anticipates processing at least one disability resignation, which may be settled prior to the start of the Pre-Service Academy, or by the end of 2007; and,
WHEREAS the costs for 5 additional positions, if there is no savings due to resignations, will be $207,400 for salary and benefits; and,
WHEREAS any disability, or other, resignations would offset some or all of the costs of hiring additional positions.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Police Department is authorized to overhire 5 police officers.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Police Department may request an appropriation up to $207,400 later in the year, subject to a third quarter review of the 2007 Police Department Operating Budget.