By Joanna Putman
Police1
ATLANTA — Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat has requested over $2 million in additional funds from county commissioners to cover overtime costs through the end of the year, Atlanta News First reported.
Labat explained that his current budget constraints allow him to offer only comp time, not paid overtime, which he says has already led to a loss of more than 60 staff members, according to the report.
“Literally they are asking us to fight this fight with our hands tied behind our back. We knew the OT costs were going to rise,” Labat said.
Labat attributes rising overtime needs to extended court cases, campaign visits and local elections in the Atlanta area, according to the report.
With concerns over staff morale, Labat announced he plans to sue Fulton County to secure the funding needed to support his department’s overtime demands.
