Comptroller Refuses To Pay Overtime To City's Workers

FUEL DELIVERIES AT RISK

After discussion with Mayor Richard Thomas, DPW Commissioner Mark Ederer declared a State of Emergency within the Department in response to a notification from the Comptroller’s office stating that she will not pay any overtime to DPW snow removal crews and first responders for work performed during the forecasted winter storms tonight and this weekend.

At 11:30 am, Thursday, January 17, 2019, Commissioner Ederer attempted to speak with Comptroller Reynolds at her office regarding emergency DPW overtime in accordance with her own invitation. Upon introduction and after stating his purpose to her receptionist, Ms. Reynolds, who was present at the counter refused to acknowledge the Commissioner’s presence. Her assistant Ms. Williams immediately walked away from the window, refusing to speak with the Commissioner as Ms. Reynolds retreated to her office.

Snow removal is an emergency service essential not only to the safety of our motorists but also for our Police, EMT and Fire Department first responders who depend on clear passible roadways to perform their duties protecting the lives, safety, and welfare of our residents. The DPW Commissioner is solely authorized by the City Charter to determine the need for emergency overtime in the Department of Public Works and the Comptroller has no authority to arbitrarily refuse or delay payment to our workers.

This latest refusal to speak with Commissioner Ederer comes after the Commissioner has made 6 prior attempts to discuss this subject with the Comptroller and to submit payment vouchers necessary to pay our vendors. These vouchers include payments for fuel for Fire and emergency vehicles, and for essential snow removal equipment authorized by emergency legislation from the City Council. Comptroller Reynold’s reckless and deliberate obstruction of these essential emergency services places the lives and welfare of our residents and first responders at undue risk.