Public safety overtime

PORTSMOUTH — Police overtime in February went $26,223 over what had been budgeted for that month. The town administrator said several factors caused this. He said the police department is understaffed due to vacancies from military service and disability. He also said some overtime is normal: an arresting officer must write reports and follow-up with testimony in court. Overtime costs will be offset by unspent salaries at the end of the year, he said. At Monday's meeting, a councilor said the fire department must be fine with overtime since it did not go over in February. The finance director said, "until the next meeting. They'll go over this month."

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