Berkeley council adopts midyear budget adjustments; sets aside $4.5M for police overtime and replenishes reserves

After a lengthy budget committee process, the Berkeley City Council on Tuesday approved midyear appropriations that reallocated excess property transfer tax and other funds to address pressing needs while replenishing reserves.

Council adopted the first reading of the amended annual appropriations ordinance to reflect reappropriations and other adjustments totaling a gross $198,000,904 and a net $194,286,861. The package included a one‑time supplement to parking fund shortfalls, $815,000 to homelessness response efforts, cybersecurity funding, building maintenance for Old City Hall and the Veterans Building, and a replenishment to the city’s general‑fund reserves. The city manager recommended reductions and deferrals — including delaying a fire compressor purchase — to help balance the plan.

The most contentious element was funding for police overtime. The council ultimately approved a $4.5 million allocation for police overtime and a $1 million set‑aside that the city manager would release only after quarterly reports from the department and council approval. "We're not adding 4 and a half million dollars to expenditures," Council Member Harrison said during debate, adding that the move is intended to reflect actual overtime spending and to make the budget more transparent.

Public comment included strong and divided views: neighborhood advocates and tenant groups urged cutting police funds and shifting money to housing and unhoused services, while other speakers emphasized support for specific programs such as childcare and the African American Holistic Resource Center. The council approved the ordinance by roll call.