Chicago taxpayers are paying $5 million annually to cover a uniform allowance for firefighters that functions more like a cash bonus than a practical expense, according to an audit by Inspector General Joe Ferguson.

Four years ago, Mayor Rahm Emanuel attempted to cut back on several union benefits, including the clothing allowance, holiday pay, and other perks. However, he eventually backed down in a pre-election agreement with the Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2, which had previously supported his opponent, Gery Chico.

The new five-year contract includes an 11% pay raise over five years but removes free health care for retirees aged 55 to 65. Now, the inspector general is focusing on the uniform allowance, which is supposed to cover maintenance and cleaning but is seen as overly generous and lacking oversight.

The city provides free uniforms and replacements unless items are lost, stolen, or damaged due to negligence. The allowance—$1,250 or $1,500 depending on the role—is meant for upkeep, yet it's not tied to actual usage. Ferguson compared Chicago’s spending to cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Toronto and found that while the department issues fewer uniforms, the annual allowance is among the highest in the country.

"The allowance is completely unmoored from any determination of actual need," Ferguson wrote. "It resembles an automatic cash bonus and should be re-evaluated."

The audit reviewed over 58,000 transactions and found most were compliant. However, nearly $535,000 in expenditures came from a grant not included in the budget, a practice the department plans to change.

In response, the fire department has made several adjustments, such as limiting uniform purchases and requiring vendors to check past usage before approving new orders. Additionally, some roles, like the commissary liaison, are being considered for civilianization to save money.

Ferguson also recommended that the city could save millions annually by hiring civilians for non-emergency roles, further emphasizing the need for cost efficiency and transparency in city operations.

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