Council questions animal control overtime and staffing amid rising wages

Hamilton Township councilors raised concerns about animal control staffing and overtime during the April 15 budget workshop, questioning whether overtime projections were sufficient after an increase in salary and wage lines.

Staff explained the department had relied on overtime during and after the COVID period and that part‑time attendant recruitment has been difficult, leaving Animal Control Officers (ACOs) to cover attendant duties. That overlap, along with higher wages and occasional vacancies, has driven higher historical overtime use. The department reported it spent roughly $14,360 on overtime in a recent year and currently has an overtime line similar to last year; staff said an additional full‑time attendant position was approved in discussion to reduce ACO overtime and improve coverage.

Councilors asked whether salary savings from unfilled positions could be repurposed if overtime budgets are exceeded and were told transfers would require formal action (resolution/ordinance) later in the year. Staff emphasized they track overtime closely and will bring options to council if overages become likely.

Council assigned staff to continue monitoring recruitment, overtime and potential budget transfers and asked for updates before the final budget adoption.