Report: DDOT wasted $40k in overtime pay driving employee to work

September 15, 2026

Detroit's Office of Inspector General found that the Department of Transportation wasted over $40,000 in overtime pay by having city employees transport a dispatcher between their suburban home and downtown workplace for approximately one year. The arrangement, initiated by supervisor DeMarcus Garrett after the dispatcher submitted medical documentation stating they couldn't drive, involved paying paratransit driver trainers overtime to provide rides in city vehicles. While investigators determined Garrett showed poor professional judgment rather than outright abuse of power, the practice created unnecessary liability for the city, particularly after one driver had an accident during transport duty and required extended leave.

Who is affected

Detroit taxpayers (who funded the $40,157 in overtime costs)
DeMarcus Garrett (DDOT supervisor who approved the arrangement)
The unnamed DDOT dispatcher (who received transportation accommodation)
Four paratransit driver trainers (two who declined, two who accepted overtime driving duties)
The trainer who was in an accident and went on extended leave
Former DDOT director Michael Staley and DDOT manager Jennifer Kaczmarek (who were involved in the decision)
Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) as an organization
City of Detroit Office of Inspector General

What action is being taken

DDOT is currently reviewing the OIG report (as of the article's publication)
DeMarcus Garrett remains employed at DDOT

Why it matters

This case represents significant misuse of public resources and poor judgment in implementing employee accommodations. The arrangement not only wasted over $40,000 in taxpayer money but also exposed the city to unnecessary legal and financial liability, as demonstrated by the accident that occurred during one of these transports. The incident highlights systemic problems with oversight and policy implementation at DDOT, particularly regarding how medical accommodations are approved and managed, and how overtime is authorized without proper consideration of alternative, more cost-effective solutions. The case underscores the importance of proper procedures and professional judgment when balancing employee needs against responsible stewardship of public funds.

What's next

DDOT will respond to the OIG in writing within 30 days
The OIG recommends requiring employees needing long-term accommodations to submit requests through the city's vendor for FMLA and medical-related requests
The OIG recommends training supervisors on balancing employee needs with budget considerations
The OIG recommends reviewing current policies on overtime approval to prevent further waste

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com