Schulman asks about overtime spending, sustainability, and hiring barriers
Schulman asks how much DOHMH spent on inspector overtime in FY2025 and FY2026 and whether overtime is sustainable. Schiff says a few hundred thousand dollars, overtime is used to approach inspection targets but is not the goal, and barriers include science-degree requirements and no work-from-home option; she says funding is not the main issue.
How much did DOHMH spend on inspector overtime in fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2026?
We spent a few hundred thousand dollars.
Does DOHMH consider overtime a sustainable way to close the gap, and has it assessed whether heavy overtime affects inspection quality or consistency?
We do offer overtime as a way of meeting, getting closer to our inspection targets, but really we want to be fully staffed.
Fully staffed, okay.
What are the main barriers to hiring and retaining inspectors?
Is there a salary issue?
Is there...
You know, the qualifications for this job is you need to be a college graduate with a science major.
And there's no, there really is no work from home opportunity to be a restaurant inspector.
It's a very hard job, but it's a really terrific job, great way to serve your community.
So we are actively recruiting, but it has been a challenge to fill these positions.
How does the salary compare with other cities?
Do you have a sense?
I don't know.
Okay.
Does DOHMH believe it needs increased funding to hire more inspectors, or is current funding sufficient?
This is really not a funding issue.
We have no issues with OMB processing.
We're just really actively recruiting, and that's why I keep saying, please send us good candidates from your communities.
Send us the job description.
I'll get it out to my colleagues on the committee.