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Prosecutors have subpoenaed pay records for a recently retired LIRR official, Thomas Caputo, a former chief measurement operator, who allegedly took in $461,646 in overtime pay, according to the Empire Center, prompting further investigation.
Caputo’s overtime pay was more than what New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio earned last year, according to the New York Times.
The latest investigation comes on the heels of reports that the MTA dished out $418 million in overtime pay last year, more than five times than what was anticipated. The study by Empire Center found that overtime pay rose nearly 16 percent that year.
The reports led to MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick Foye launching an investigation into the Long Island Railroad, Metro-North and New York City Transit.
“Some overtime is to be expected at any public transit agency, in order to keep up with critical repairs and maintenance, especially at a time of extraordinary work being done around the system. But the accumulation of so many hours of overtime raises serious questions, including potential safety issues such as exhaustion,” he said. “It is important that we are doing everything we can to carry out the work of the MTA efficiently and cost-effectively.”
Foye said that there are “ strict procedures and regulations in place regarding scheduling and payment of overtime. Those procedures either must be followed or we need to implement stronger rules on day-to-day procedures.”
Last week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo stated that LIRR workers are logging overtime hours that are “almost physically impossible” — and demanded the agency root out any “fraud.”
LIRR overtime spending increased by nearly 30 percent, totaling $224.6 million in 2018, up $50 million from the previous year’s $175.4 million. Employees collected an average of 50 percent more in overtime in 2018, or $34,000, than 2017, when overtime averaged $22,701. LIRR payroll spending last year grew by more than 10 percent, or $84 million.
According to reports, LIRR has increased payroll spending by 45 percent or $280 million since 2008, while the number of employees increased by 9.6 percent. LIRR employees were paid an average of $112,404 last year, compared to $84,484 in 2008.
Of the 100 highest-paid MTA employees, including the top four, 58 work for LIRR.
“Including overtime and other extra pay, such as shift differentials, the three highest paid hourly employees for Long Island Railroad were Thomas Caputo, a chief measurement operator, at $461,646; Dallas Bazemore III, a surfacing foreman, at $395,397; and Joseph Ruzzo, track foreman, at $380,407. In salaried management positions, the three highest-paid employees were Patrick Nowakowski, former agency president, at $454,288; Phillip Eng, current agency president, at $294,243; and Afshin Hezarkhani, chief engineer of special projects, at $260,380.”
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