In an attempt to keep its police and fire departments at optimal staffing levels, the Oak Park Village Board has approved a staff plan to “overhire” in its public safety workforce.
Village staff told trustee Jan. 28 the move is necessary as the time period to hire young police officers and firefighters can often take several months. Staff would begin the hiring process early in anticipation of pending retirements/resignations or cases of long-term disability.
“The idea of the word ‘overhire’ sounds like we are paying out a lot more money, but in fact there’s some savings involved, and there’s some offsetting amounts,” Oak Park Trustee Jim Taglia said. “It makes sense to me, and I do support it.”
The village board previously approved similar overhire programs for the 2017 and 2018 fiscal years. Trustees approved the 2019 overhire program by a 6-0 vote. Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb was absent.