Klagenfurt's Fire Chief Overtime Ban by Mayor Scheider

Mayor Scheider's Decision

Mayor Scheider of Klagenfurt has recently put a stop to overtime for the city's fire chief. The decision comes after an internal audit revealed excessive overtime payments to the chief, sparking outrage among taxpayers and city council members.

Audit Findings

The audit, conducted by an independent firm, found that the fire chief had claimed over 1,000 hours of overtime in the past year, resulting in payments exceeding €100,000. The audit also raised concerns about the fire chief's use of overtime, as many of the hours were claimed during regular business hours.

Mayor's Response

In response to the audit findings, Mayor Scheider issued a statement condemning the excessive overtime payments. He stated that the city cannot tolerate such financial mismanagement and that the fire chief's actions were a breach of trust.

Suspension and Investigation

Mayor Scheider has suspended the fire chief with immediate effect and has ordered a full investigation into the matter. The investigation will focus on determining the reasons for the excessive overtime claims and whether any disciplinary action is necessary.

Public Reaction

The mayor's decision has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Some residents support the mayor's actions, arguing that it is necessary to hold city officials accountable for their spending.

Others have expressed concern over the impact the overtime ban will have on the fire department's operations. The fire chief has argued that the overtime was necessary to ensure adequate staffing levels and respond to emergencies.

Conclusion

The overtime ban imposed by Mayor Scheider is a significant development in Klagenfurt's political landscape. The investigation into the fire chief's overtime claims is ongoing, and the outcome will likely have further implications for the fire department and the city's financial management.