MONTPELIER, Vt. -
Recently the topic of overtime has come to the forefront of the Vermont governor's race.
Last week, republican Randy Brock pointed out that overtime rose 12% in the first six months of Governor Peter Shumlin's term.
"When in fact is going up it's a symbol personnel management is not being done as well or effectively as it should be," said State Senator Randy Brock.
Tuesday, Governor Shumlin agreed with him.
"12% increases in overtime were not sustainable, it wasn't acceptable and had to be fixed," said Shumlin.
Shumlin says since then he's stopped overtime increases by hiring more state workers.
A problem he thought he controlled until he found out Sargeant James Deegan was accused of padding his time sheet.
"It is totally unacceptable for this administration, or any administration for people to steal taxpayers dollars," said Shumlin.
Shumlin says over the next three weeks the state will investigate the past six years of Deegan's time cards.
But he's not stopping there.
Everyone at Deegan's former barracks, in Williston, will have their time cards looked at as well.
Eventually, the reviews will cover all state police employees.
There are a number of other state agencies that have racked up overtime costs but Governor Shumlin says they won't be investigated unless there's a bigger issue found within state police.
If there is Shumlin says the state will also develop a new way for state workers to report their overtime.
Deegan won't be back in court until next month.
If convicted he faces up to ten years in prison.
Even though Shumlin's called for the investigation, he believes this is an isolated incident.
