DALLAS, Texas — Roughly 200 rank-and-file members of Dallas Fire-Rescue were frustrated this week when the extra money they were expecting from the city didn’t show up in their paychecks last Friday. The payments were supposed to compensate them for unused vacation time this year, sources within the department told WFAA.
A memo sent last Thursday by Chief Justin Ball stated that the payouts, typically distributed before Thanksgiving, would be delayed until December.
Many firefighters who don't use all their vacation time submit paperwork to sell it back to the city before the end of November and receive cash in return for the days they didn't take. Members often use the extra money for the upcoming holiday season on their families, so the delay has not been received well.
Ball indicated that the payout timeline for the Vacation Buy Back (VBB) plan had been adjusted from the original Nov. 22 schedule to allow for a thorough review and ensure accurate and fair disbursements.
The chief added that the delay was not due to DFR Payroll but stemmed from the City Controller's Office, which requested more time for verification. Ball also underscored that efforts are underway with the Budget and City Manager's offices to expedite the process, aiming for a resolution before the Christmas holiday.
The memo reassured members of DFR's commitment to accuracy, fairness, and transparency and expressed gratitude for their patience and professionalism.
Council Member Cara Mendelsohn told WFAA on Thursday that she's disappointed with the snag and that firefighters should get their extra money when the city says they will.
"Our firefighters have a state-mandated staffing ratio. So, sometimes we have to have them work even though they might have planned to be off," Mendelsohn said. "We appreciate that sacrifice, so this is disappointing -- we ask so much of our first responders, and we want to always deliver on what we've told them we will do."
The Dallas Fire Fighters Association president told WFAA that the Vacation Buy Back program was on the chopping block for this year's upcoming budget during annual budget talks. He added that there was a miscommunication with the controller's office about that, which is likely why the payout processing wasn't scheduled for last week on time.