Is Oakland nonetheless paying increased additional time charge regardless of metropolis audit discovering error? This is what we all know

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) — The Metropolis of Oakland has discovered that it was overpaying additional time to some workers, totaling greater than $1.5 million. Regardless of understanding the issue, town is just not going to repair it – simply but.

“Once we discuss the place (do) our tax {dollars} go, this an instance of wastage within the metropolis,” says Oakland Metropolis Council member Janani Ramachandran, who can also be Chair of the Finance Committee.

ABC7 Information first reported in February {that a} metropolis audit discovered an error the place additional time was being paid at increased charge for some workers within the Division of Public Works between 2018 and 2024.

RELATED: Audit finds Oakland paid $1.6M in extreme additional time pay over 6 years in a number of departments

“I used to be shocked to listen to that the response to my query, ‘Properly, have we fastened drawback now that it has been determine by the auditor?’ And the reply was, ‘No.’ And we’re not going to till we rent an out of doors marketing consultant to doublecheck the auditor’s numbers,” mentioned Ramachandran.

Ramachandran is not suggesting that any malicious exercise was concerned. And she or he acknowledges that metropolis auditor workplace has a shoestring funds and small crew. However she is anxious of misspending at a time when town is going through a $140 million funds deficit.

“Everyone knows that, if this drawback exists in our Public Works Division, it’s in all probability there in different departments as nicely,” mentioned Ramachandran.

The town responded to ABC7 Information with this assertion: “The Metropolis Lawyer’s Workplace is contracting with the agency Liebert Cassidy Whitmore to assist advise the Metropolis Administration associated to the Metropolis Auditor’s report. To protect the attorney-client privilege and the Metropolis Administrator’s skill to behave in the most effective curiosity of the Metropolis, we’re unable to explain the precise recommendation that’s being sought.”

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“And now our metropolis administration is doubting what the auditor is saying? And saying, no we want a marketing consultant. And extra time and no matter to see it if it is truly true after which repair the issue? That simply appeared ridiculous to me!” mentioned Ramachandran.

Union leaders weren’t out there for an interview, however did level out how this cash may very well be used to forestall layoffs which are being proposed in subsequent metropolis funds. Mayor-elect Barbara Lee is looking for an audit of all metropolis contracts in her first 100 days.

“(We’re) going to root out corruption, and usher in a brand new period of ethics and transparency and accountability,” says Mayor-elect Lee.

Ramachandran suggests an audit of different departments is probably going. Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins is predicted to current Oakland’s new funds subsequent week.