Fire chief requests transfers to cover costly repairs and overtime; subcommittee approves
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Summary
The finance subcommittee approved transfers restoring a $15,000 cut for vehicle repairs and moving $250,000 to cover firefighters’ overtime tied to raises and staffing decisions; Chief Katalebitz said the overtime line for FY25 will approach $650,000–$657,000 and councilors requested prior‑year comparisons.
The Holyoke Finance Subcommittee on Dec. 23 approved two transfers requested by Fire Chief Katalebitz: a $20,000 transfer to vehicle repairs and a $250,000 transfer into the department’s overtime line.
Chief Katalebitz told the committee the $20,000 request restores $15,000 removed during the budget process and pays for an unusually expensive repair to an engine’s exhaust regeneration system plus normal inflationary maintenance costs. The transfer was moved, seconded and approved by the subcommittee.
On the overtime transfer, the chief said the additional $250,000 is needed because the department did not fill some firefighter positions, and the budget must absorb three‑and‑a‑half percent raises for firefighters and deputy chiefs. "This will put us fiscal year 25 to 650 or 657," the chief said, adding he would confirm precise numbers with staff. Councilor Jourdain asked for a comparison to FY24 overtime spending; the chief agreed to provide the figures by email before the next council meeting.
The committee approved the overtime transfer by voice vote after brief questioning and a request for follow‑up documentation.
Sources: Presentation and votes on items 3 and 4 at the Dec. 23 finance subcommittee meeting.