3/2/17
by News Department on 03/02/17Argall's plan to reduce OT...
A report requested by Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks) shows the state could save considerable tax dollars on its overtime spending within the Department of Corrections.
Argall, who authored Senate Resolution 263 last session, called the study a blueprint to fix the growing overtime budget within the Department of Corrections.
Earlier this year, the governor and department announced plans to close two state prisons in order to save tax dollars. SCI Pittsburgh was eventually chosen as the only prison to close, which the administration estimates will save taxpayers $80 million.
The overtime budget, however, surpassed $100 million last year. The report found that due to the reduction in overtime hours needed within the department, each new corrections officer hired would save taxpayers $31,000 in the first year and $47,000 in the second.
