According to a recent audit by Inspector General Joe Ferguson, Chicago taxpayers are spending $5 million annually on a uniform allowance for firefighters that functions more like an automatic cash bonus rather than a practical expense reimbursement. The allowance, which amounts to $1,250 or $1,500 depending on the firefighter's role, is supposed to cover the cost of maintaining and cleaning uniforms. However, the report found that it is not tied to any actual need or usage, making it seem more like a benefit than a necessity.

This issue comes amid ongoing discussions about city contracts with the Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2. Four years ago, Mayor Rahm Emanuel had attempted to cut several union benefits, including the clothing allowance, holiday pay, and other perks. But in a last-minute pre-election agreement, he reversed many of these decisions after securing the union’s support, despite their previous backing of his opponent in 2011.

The new five-year contract included an 11% pay raise over five years but removed free health care for retirees aged 55 to 65. Now, the inspector general is scrutinizing the uniform allowance as part of a broader review of how the department manages its uniform program.

The Chicago Fire Department (CFD) provides free uniforms and replacements unless they are lost, stolen, damaged due to negligence, or worn out from weight changes. The allowance is meant to help with maintenance and cleaning, yet the audit revealed that it is among the most generous in the country—despite the department issuing fewer uniforms to new hires than other major cities.

Ferguson compared CFD’s uniform spending to that of New York City, Philadelphia, Toronto, Dallas, San Diego, and Indianapolis. While Chicago spent less per employee, the overall allowance was significantly higher. “This stipend, which is meant to cover maintenance and cleaning, has no link to actual use,” the report stated. “It resembles a cash bonus and needs to be re-evaluated in light of current budget negotiations.”

Despite the findings, the audit also noted that 99.9% of transactions at the fire department’s commissary were in line with policy. However, nearly $535,757 in 2012 and 2013 came from a grant source that wasn’t accounted for in the original budget—a practice the department plans to change.

In response, Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago has implemented several changes, including banning firefighters from buying uniforms for others and adjusting when trainees receive their gear to reduce waste. The commissary vendor is now required to check past purchases before approving new ones.

Earlier this year, Ferguson also recommended that the department could save up to $1.2 million annually by hiring civilians for non-emergency roles, such as the commissary liaison position currently held by a captain. This move would improve efficiency and reduce costs in the long run.

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