Committee approves consent item on payroll transfers amid public comment about collection and accountability

The Budget and Finance Committee approved item 3, a consent item related to appropriations and payroll reconciliation intended to address civilian salary account shortfalls. The committee initially approved the item on consent and later reopened the item to hear public comment before finalizing approval.

The item passed on initial consent roll call with four votes in favor and one member absent. After the committee reopened the item for public comment, a resident said there are “major deficits of funds to transfer,” and accused some entities of not paying penalties or permits that could provide revenue for city services. The resident specifically named “Scientology” as an organization that, the commenter said, had not been held accountable for alleged water-waste and unpaid penalties during the fire period.

The committee again took the vote after reopening and approved the item (roll call recorded as three ayes with one or more members absent). Committee discussion during the meeting noted the underlying need for transfers stems from civilian salary account deficiencies citywide and that the CAO and Finance will include such needs in broader midyear reconciliation work.

Public comment on items 1 and 2 also touched related topics: Judith Sirlin, representing Teamsters Local 911, urged support for continued funding of crossing guards and described the safety role crossing guards play for children and families.

Ending: The committee closed open session business and moved to closed session. The consent item was approved and staff will proceed with the administrative steps to effectuate the transfers as part of broader midyear budget work.