State Overtime Spending Slows in First Quarter
State government overtime spending cooled in the first quarter of fiscal 2024, declining $7.6 million (-10%) over the same period last year.
Agencies spent $70.5 million in the first quarter and are on pace to spend $282 million this year—the second highest on record and 7.7% less than last year’s all-time high $305.4 million.
Overtime costs hit a 10-year low in 2017, following passage of legislation requiring quarterly disclosures of agency spending.
However, spending has increased every year since, hitting $228.2 million in 2018, $234.3 million in 2019, $234.9 in 2020, $239.9 million the following year, and $266 million in 2022, before spiking last year.
Overtime spending has significant implications for taxpayers as it is among the factors used for calculating state employee pensions.
Spending Declines
The Office of Fiscal Analysis’ quarterly report shows five state agencies accounted for 93% of all overtime spending through the first three months of fiscal 2023.
The Department of Correction again led all agencies, spending $24.48 million, down $2.95 million (-10.8%) over the same period last year.
DOC overtime costs jumped 12.9% in fiscal 2023 to $106.5 million—35% of all state agency overtime—despite a declining prison population and the recent closure of three facilities.
The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services spent $14.15 million in the first quarter, down 10% from last year.
The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection saw a 1.3% decrease, the Department of Developmental Services posted a 17.5% decline, and overtime costs rose 15.2% at the Department of Children and Families.
Overtime Spending: Top Five Agencies
| Department | FY 2024 Overtime* | FY 2023 Overtime** | $ Difference | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Correction | $24.48 million | $27.43 million | ($2.95 million) | -10.8% |
| Mental Health & Addiction Services | $14.15 million | $15.73 million | ($1.57 million) | -10% |
| Emergency Services & Public Protection | $11.86 million | $12.01 million | ($154,007) | -1.3% |
| Developmental Services | $9.71 million | $11.76 million | ($2.05 million) | -17.5% |
| Children & Families | $5.14 million | $4.46 million | $678,838 | 15.2% |
*July 1, 2023-Sept. 30, 2023. **July 1, 2022-Sept. 30, 2022. Source: Office of Fiscal Analysis.
Other Agencies
First quarter overtime spending at all other state agencies declined $1.58 million to $5.19 million (-23.4%).
The UConn Health Center accounted for 68% of that decline, with its costs falling $1.08 million to just $19 for the quarter.
Overtime fell $187,784 to $2.51 million (-6.9%) at the Department of Social Services and declined $117,682 to $469,087 (-20.1%) at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
The Office of Legislative Management spent $151,450, an increase of $40,615 (36.6%) over last year, with costs rising 9.6% at the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System and 568.1% in the Attorney General’s Office.
Through September, 13,470 state employees were paid overtime—462 fewer than the same period in 2023—with an average payment of $5,237, down 6.7%.
DESPP employees were paid an average $10,789—the highest of any agency—followed by DMHAS ($7,556), DDS ($6,305), DOC ($5,847), and the Office of Legislative Management, where 28 workers earned an average $5,409.
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