Corrections officials report 52% vacancy rate and persistent overtime costs; committee approves $8.37 million transfer

The Department of Corrections asked the Fiscal Committee to approve transfers to cover staffing and overtime shortfalls. Commissioner Bill Hart described recruitment efforts (recent academy class graduated in March, additional classes planned in September and March) and pathway programs to certify out-of-state and county corrections officers.

Hart reported a corrections officer vacancy rate of approximately 52% and said much of the overtime expense results from double-time payments for required staffing coverage. When asked about next year’s exposure the department estimated similar pressure and suggested a near-term projection of roughly $25 million in overtime costs if current trends continue.

The committee approved item 26-120 authorizing $8,370,000 to cover shortfalls through June and an earlier item authorizing $240,000 for immediate shortfalls. Committee members asked for a staffing plan and vacancy-rate reduction goals to inform future budget requests; Hart agreed to provide a plan by the end of July and to coordinate with police standards and training on recruitment and certification pathways.

What this means: DOC said recruiting and retention remain central to easing long-term overtime costs; lawmakers approved the transfers to close the current fiscal gap but signaled concern about recurring expenditures and asked for a multi-year staffing plan.