The mayor criticized the controller’s report as “political,” but administration officials acknowledged overtime costs would exceed Hollins’ estimates.

Despite efforts from public safety departments and solid waste management to fill vacant positions, the city controller’s office said the city is spending more money than budgeted to pay their employees overtime.

The Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association and City Controller Chris Hollins are at odds over a projected $72 million increase in overtime costs for the city's emergency services, with Hollins advocating for audits to address the budget deficit.