Police, firefighters in Pence’s hometown nearing overtime limits for VP visits

The police and fire departments in Vice President Pence’s hometown in Indiana are nearing the city’s limits for overtime pay amid visits from the vice president.

USA Today reported Tuesday that the City Council in Columbus will consider raising the departments’ overtime budgets by a combined $70,000 — a roughly 18 percent hike from the initial $390,388 in overtime pay approved for this year.

The ordinance increasing the overtime budget states that it is needed because of “unanticipated overtime events related to vice-presidential visits to our city.”

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Columbus Mayor James Lienhoop told USA Today that the additional overtime expense is manageable for the city, and that only about half of the additional costs are directly from the vice president’s visits.

“It’s a good problem to have,” he said. “We’re proud of Mike and pleased to be able to participate in some small way to his service to our country.”

The city must have fire fighting equipment waiting at the airport when Pence arrives via Air Force Two, USA Today reported, and police may help with the vice president’s motorcade or provide additional protection during his stay in the town.

The Secret Service said in August that it was nearing its overtime spending limits for presidential protection, stretched by President Trump’s large family and his frequent trips to his Florida and New Jersey properties.