Houston’s budget crisis deepened this week as Mayor John Whitmire and City Controller Chris Hollins sparred over a report revealing that police, fire, and solid waste departments have exceeded their overtime budgets by $72 million. The unexpected surge in overtime spending complicates the city’s efforts to address an already alarming $330 million budget deficit.
Overtime Costs Soar Beyond Budget!
The report, presented during a city council meeting, highlighted that the city had budgeted $63 million for overtime expenses from its $3 billion general fund. However, projections now estimate actual spending will reach $134.9 million—more than double the allocated amount.
Breakdown of projected overtime spending:
• Fire Department: Budgeted $45.3 million, projected to spend $88 million
• Police Department: Budgeted $13.7 million, projected to spend $39.8 million
• Solid Waste Department: Budgeted $4 million, projected to spend $7.1 million
Hollins called the findings “shocking,” noting that the fire and police departments are on track to hit all-time highs in overtime expenditures. He also warned that these rising costs have worsened significantly over the past two years.
Mayor Whitmire Pushes Back
Mayor Whitmire dismissed the report as “a political document,” arguing that it failed to consider all sources of funding. His administration contends that past overtime expenses were supplemented by one-time federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which are no longer available.
“I think it’s misleading to paint a picture that the amount of overtime that’s happening has increased drastically from prior years,” said Melissa Dubowski, Whitmire’s finance director. “It’s just that the funding source is different, and the general fund is absorbing more of the cost.”
Despite these explanations, several city council members expressed concern over the ballooning overtime expenditures, questioning how the city will balance its budget without significant cuts or new revenue streams.
What’s Next for Houston’s Budget?
The report adds pressure on city officials as they prepare for the next fiscal year. It remains unclear whether savings from vacant positions will be enough to offset the overtime overruns. With Houston facing a massive budget shortfall, further scrutiny on city spending is expected in the coming months.
Stay tuned for updates as this financial showdown unfolds.
