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Alameda council adopts midyear budget adjustments and workforce changes, 4–1
Summary
On March 3 the Alameda City Council adopted midyear budget adjustments and workforce changes for FY25–26 by a 4–1 vote after discussion of departmental requests, a $61,000 overtime charge tied to a damaged sewer force main, a $118,200 donation to the library, and planning funds for the wooden bicycle bridge pending a Caltrans grant.
The Alameda City Council adopted resolutions March 3 amending the FY25–26 budget and approving workforce changes after a detailed presentation and discussion of midyear requests. Finance Director Ross McCarthy said staff limited adjustments consistent with council policy, resulting in approximately $229,000 in ongoing general‑fund increases and a projected residual fund balance of $10.8 million at fiscal year end in addition to the council’s 25% reserve policy.
The presentation summarized department requests, grant awards and workforce changes (two position upgrades at AMP previously approved by the Public Utilities Board). Budget Manager E Cat Burton reviewed one‑time and non‑general‑fund items. Council pressed staff on several items including an unexplained $94,567 in miscellaneous revenue (described by staff as reconciled deposits and long‑standing bookkeeping items), and a $61,000 overtime charge tied to emergency repairs after a damaged sewer force main at the golf course.
Assistant City Manager Amy Wilder said the sewer force main was struck during work Greenway Golf was doing at the golf course; staff has sent a letter to Greenway Golf and is working with the company on potential reimbursement for overtime and related costs. “Greenway Golf is aware, and we are working closely with them on potential reimbursement,” Wilder said.
Council also noted a $118,200 donation from the Friends of the Alameda Free Library to fund the library’s summer reading program. On multi‑year planning items, staff described using $60,000 in fund balance to prepare a feasibility study for the wooden bicycle bridge (a Caltrans competitive grant would fund full replacement; if the grant is not awarded the $60,000 would still fund initial study and options to shore the existing structure).
The budget package passed 4–1; one council member voted no, citing concerns about the decision to freeze sworn police positions at 72 rather than restoring them to a higher historical level. Staff said the midyear process was intended to be limited to technical corrections, time‑sensitive items and grant activity; the council’s broader staffing and public‑safety posture is a separate policy discussion.
What happens next: Staff will implement approved adjustments, pursue potential reimbursement from the private contractor for sewer damages, and return with follow‑up reports where required by adopted actions.
