The department will go over its budget for the current fiscal year by between $18 million and $22 million, that according to Atlanta finance officials.

Chief Financial Officer Janice Davis says the overspending was caused by rising fuel costs, an increase in the cost of vehicle repairs, overtime pay for employees, higher fees for health care, and accounting errors.

The news comes as Atlanta is trying to fill a massive budget shortfall. Mayor Shirley Franklin says it could approach $140 million.

The mayor's budget includes the laying off of 441 city workers, some of whom have already received their notice.

At a City Council budget hearing on Thursday, police officials expressed surprise after learning about their budget. The department spent about $192 million, or $22 million more than had been budgeted.

One police official says a large portion of the overspending, about $14 million, comes from a mix-up between the city and the department. Deputy Chief George Tucker says it concerns the funding of positions within the police department. Davis says the city did not set aside money for some positions that the police ended up filling.

Tucker says maintenance on the city's 911 center also cost more than expected. Another $2 million went to paying overtime to officers.

May 16, 2008