Understaffing costs N.H. Department of Corrections almost $11 million in overtime
'We still have a high vacancy rate,' he said.
The department asked to fill the $10.9 million funding shortfall by shifting money from other parts of its budget instead of requesting more money from the state.
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On Wednesday, that request was approved by New Hampshire's Executive Council.
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But the council's lone Democrat, Karen Liot Hill, expressed concern over the request.
'It seems to me that these are funds that were not budgeted,' she said during Wednesday's meeting. 'Given that we are in the middle of a budget process right now, I fear we are setting ourselves up for a similar situation.'
Acting Commissioner John V. Scippa said the request was driven by a few factors, including a reduction in the workforce, the high vacancy rate, and negotiations with the unions representing workers to increase overtime pay.
'That rate of vacancy requires, in many instances, mandatory overtime for correction officers,' he said. And he noted that some collective bargaining agreements include double overtime pay rates. Scippa is temporarily leading the agency, after its former head, Helen E. Hanks,
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Department officials pointed to a forecast showing fewer workers entering the field: For years, the U.S. Department of Labor has expected a 6 percent drop in those seeking careers as corrections officers.
'You're not seeing a lot of recruits,' said Burke.
He said a $10,000 sign-on bonus funded through federal pandemic money has gone away, and there is an
ongoing fight to restore certain retirement benefits, which were reduced in
the state's budget. Lawmakers are scheduled to vote on the budget Thursday, and Republican Governor Kelly A. Ayotte has
The corrections
department has
— far lower than the current rate.
Amanda Gokee can be reached at
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