County Fire Department saves on OT

The county Fire Department has spent $1.3 million less on overtime this year than it had at the same point last year, according to new figures released by the county.

But that isn't necessarily a big savings for the county. The department is spending an extra $1.2 million to overstaff its stations for the next six months to stave off future overtime costs. Officials expect several retirements in the coming months.

"They are offsetting the overtime right now," said Battalion Chief Michael Cox Jr., a department spokesman.

The department's overall budget jumped $7.2 million between fiscal years 2006 and 2007 - from $82...