Department of the Environment budget largely preserved; Board restored critical work‑orders and approved add‑backs

City finance staff presented the Department of the Environment’s adopted operating budget and several Board add‑backs approved during the AAO process.

Joe Salem, the department’s finance and administration manager, said the department’s submitted operating budget for fiscal year 2021–22 was $21,625,762 and that the final Board‑approved appropriation ordinance totaled $21,543,037 — a net reduction of $82,725 (about 0.38% of the request). He noted that two city work orders totaling $346,000, which had been flagged as gaps in earlier briefings, were restored during the budget process.

Charles Sheehan outlined three Board general‑fund add‑backs totaling $1,099,000 over the next two fiscal years. Sheehan said $100,000 ($50,000 this fiscal year and $50,000 next) is allocated for a District‑5 composting program; another allocation will fund a one‑year climate action funding study to assess long‑term funding options for decarbonizing buildings; and seed funding will support creation of a climate equity hub through community engagement and consulting support.

Commissioners asked about how the Commission will be involved in the climate funding study and how draft outlines will be shared; staff said they plan to bring draft scopes to committees and the full commission for input. Director Deborah Rafael thanked commissioners and community advocates for their role in securing the outcome.

Staff characterized the final budget outcome as preserving core services, avoiding layoffs and providing modest add‑backs to advance climate and equity work.