Environment Department budget passed; Commission approves advocacy letter for added general‑fund support

Acting Director Tyrone Zhu and Budget Manager Joe Salem presented the Environment Department's FY 2023–24 budget (AAO and operating) and supplemental requests. Key figures presented: the AAO submission was projected between $27 million and $28.7 million; the department expects to utilize $31–$33 million in operating funds for FY24. The presentation noted a $2.6 million one‑time add-back that funded positions this year; those add‑back-funded FTEs create an estimated ongoing cost pressure (~$1.5M) for FY24 tied to 6.15 FTEs. The department said it had reduced its overall ask from $1.8M to $1.53M after securing a competitive CEC grant to partially fund positions.

Staff described a $3.5M package covering existing professional services and project needs, $585,000 for additional staff (commercial decarbonization and capacity), and programmatic items including $1.6M and $2.4M asks tied to implementing the Gas‑Powered Lawn Equipment ordinance (buyback/incentives and staffing). The presentation noted broader city budget constraints (Mayor's guidance showing a projected $728M cumulative deficit across two years) and said the Department will submit a balanced AAO to the Mayor and a supplemental memo outlining additional needs.

Commissioners asked for clearer breakdowns of funding sources, grant durations, and reporting metrics. After discussion, the Commission voted on the AAO and supplemental memo (roll call) and passed the budget items. Separately, Commissioner Wald introduced a draft letter to the Mayor requesting additional general fund support (Commissioners amended it to add a $6,630,000 total and a request for the President to follow up with the Mayor). The Commission approved the amended letter on roll call.