S.F. city departments overbudget each other millions as city faces down massive deficit

San Francisco city departments have accumulated unspent funds between $53 million and $80 million annually, according to a recent report. This financial oversight occurs amid an $818 million city deficit, raising serious concerns about budgeting transparency. Supervisor Jackie Fielder is advocating for accountability measures in light of these findings. The report identifies a trend of overbudgeted “work orders,” which complicate effective future budget planning. Additionally, it cites specific cases where departments funded positions without clear justification.

The lack of oversight allows unspent funds to remain untracked, potentially impacting the allocation of resources for essential services. The Board of Supervisors has limited authority to monitor these funds, which can either revert to the general fund or be carried forward indefinitely. As the city grapples with fiscal challenges, these inefficiencies threaten critical social services.