Butler County employees worked about 32,000 hours of overtime in 2012.

The total cost to pay that overtime was $898,530, according to county payroll records.

County Controller Jack McMillin said that’s a significant amount.

“That represents a mill of tax,” he said. “By any standard, it’s a large number.”

However, McMillin said overtime is preferable to increasing staff, who carry benefit costs.

“Overtime is something that can be used to an employer’s advantage if properly monitored,” he said.

County Commissioner Bill McCarrier, board chairman, doesn’t view the overtime as excessive.

He pointed out McMillin can show how it is less costly than hiring new staff.

McCarrier said the row officers and department heads don’t abuse the practice.

“I think they’re doing the best they can do,” he said.

Of all county offices and departments, the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center had the most overtime with 12,651 hours at a cost of $322,574.

The largest portion, 10,987 hours, covers nursing staff, including nurses aides.

Sunnyview administrator Sue Murray said the nursing home must follow state law by covering all shifts on a daily basis.

“You have to have a minimum number of people,” she said.