Monroe County is proactively addressing findings from a recent advisory review letter from the Monroe County Clerk of Court's finance director on its overtime use and policies. 

The report found that changes to the county’s overtime policy in 2021, which were intended to improve staffing flexibility during call-ins for weekend, evening, and emergency work that can’t be performed during regular working hours, have resulted in high overtime costs in certain cases. For example, under the current policy, hourly employees may receive overtime pay even when they do not exceed 40 hours of “actual” work, because paid time off occurs in the same week. This differs from federal overtime standards, under which overtime is paid only for hours worked. 

In calendar year 2025, the review estimates that overtime costs exceeded what would have been paid under federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) standards by more than $360,000.

The review also examined the financial impacts of the county’s current overtime policy for exempt employees at the Key West International Airport during the airport’s multi-year expansion and construction. The report highlighted recurring and preplanned overtime among certain exempt employees, positions where overtime is typically intended to be rare and tied to extraordinary circumstances. In 2025, approximately 70 percent of exempt overtime was attributed to two airport management positions.  

The review noted patterns suggesting overtime for these two employees was being used for routine operational coverage rather than short-term or emergency needs, along with concerns about timekeeping practices and oversight.

“This portion of the review recommended an investigation be performed, and we are committed to conducting this review,” said County Administrator Christine Hurley. Airport employee salaries are funded by airport funds, not taxpayer dollars. 

The report includes several recommendations, such as reevaluating the county’s overtime policy, strengthening management oversight, exploring alternative staffing solutions, and clarifying when exempt overtime is appropriate.  

“This letter reflects findings that we need to analyze and discuss with our management teams and the Board of County Commissioners, as balancing operations, vacancies, and how to staff key departments, while maintaining accountability, is complex,” said Hurley. “We will maintain transparency and evaluate how to move forward.”

County leadership has already begun reviewing the findings and will work with departments to determine next steps, including discussions with the commissioners on potential policy amendments, operational changes, and additional oversight measures.