Sacramento City Council examines police overtime amid $44M budget deficit

The Sacramento City Council took significant steps towards addressing budgetary concerns and police overtime practices during their meeting on April 22, 2025. The council approved a motion to authorize the city auditor to conduct a thorough review of the Sacramento Police Department's overtime usage, which has raised concerns due to discrepancies highlighted in previous reports.

Council members expressed urgency in examining the police department's overtime expenditures, which have totaled approximately $158 million since 2011. Reports indicated that some officers have accrued overtime exceeding their base salaries, with a few even doubling their earnings through overtime alone. This scrutiny comes at a critical time as the city faces a projected budget deficit of $44 million, prompting discussions about potential layoffs and the need for efficient resource allocation.

The council also discussed the importance of prioritizing audits related to homelessness funding and police practices. Councilmember Vang emphasized the necessity of understanding how vacancies within the police department impact budget decisions, especially as the city grapples with financial constraints. The interim city manager noted that while the city auditor has a heavy workload, they have been providing annual analyses of overtime spending, which will continue to inform future decisions.

In addition to the police audit, the council acknowledged the need for ongoing evaluations of homelessness programs, with plans to assess the effectiveness of various shelter initiatives. The city auditor's work plan will be reviewed in the coming year, allowing for further discussions on potential audits and resource allocation.

As the council moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring transparency and accountability in city spending, particularly in departments that significantly impact the budget. The decisions made during this meeting are expected to shape the city's financial strategies and operational practices in the months ahead.