Heavy winter weather means more overtime pay for many municipalities

Local governments in cold weather locales often have problems budgeting money for the various costs attributed to ice, sleet and other forms of winter conditions. The unpredictable nature of such weather makes it difficult for a yearly budget process to account for the wide variance in yearly accumulations and other considerations.

One area that has been hit hard by the cold weather this winter is the Mid-Mon Valley area of Pennsylvania, where time and attendance costs for snow plow drivers and other public works employees are beginning to create a serious issue for municipalities in the area, according to local source TribLive.

Because frequent snowfall has required more plowing than usual, local budgets are taking an extra hit. Depending on the route, amount of precipitation and other factors, employees driving plows may have to work shifts of up to 14 hours in the area. Although the Fair Labor Standards Act is more flexible for public employees than those working for private companies, there is no provision for working around the large amounts of overtime accrued by employees in seasonally-intensive positions.

The use of employee management software can help all businesses efficiently manage workers to help prevent the creation of unfeasible overtime obligations.


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