The city said it is already spending money from its emergency reserves.Oakland is facing a deficit of $93 million for this fiscal year that ends in June 2025. Since public safety takes up a majority of the budget, experts believe any cuts will likely include police and fire.'To cut an already shortened police department makes absolutely no sense, and to cut from the fire department makes absolutely no sense,' said Oakland resident Tahira Hodge.
I need the police and the fire department to respond,' said Oakland Councilman Noel Gallo, who represents District 5. Gallo and others had warned Mayor Sheng Thao and her allies on the city council about this financial mess back in June. The current budget depends on selling the Oakland Coliseum. But the city hasn't received money from the deal.'We're going to have to negotiate with the unions. We've got to make some reductions.