Supervisor Johnson raises concerns over employee overtime policies at finance committee meeting

Concerns over Milwaukee County's transportation budget and operator safety dominated the recent Committee on Transportation and Transit meeting. Supervisors expressed alarm over a significant deficit, with Supervisor Belinsky questioning the accountability of past actions that may have contributed to the financial shortfall. He emphasized the need for transparency and urged the committee to explore potential repercussions for any individuals whose decisions may have exacerbated the situation.

Supervisor Johnson highlighted the pressing issue of operator safety, noting that many bus operators feel unsafe due to both equipment concerns and passenger behavior. He raised questions about the current number of vacant operator positions, indicating a potential staffing crisis that could further impact service quality.

Additionally, Johnson probed into the unusual accumulation of overtime hours by some employees, seeking clarity on how overtime is awarded before reaching the standard 40-hour workweek. He called for detailed documentation on this matter, expressing a desire to understand the underlying processes and ensure fairness in overtime distribution.

The committee's discussions underscored the urgent need for accountability and transparency in Milwaukee County's transportation operations, as well as the importance of addressing safety concerns for both operators and passengers. With a finance committee meeting on the horizon, supervisors are eager for further insights into these pressing issues.