The Madison Police Department is requesting $375,000 from the city's finance committee to cover expenditures exceeding its allotted budget for 2002.
The request raises some eyebrows because critics say the department consistently overspends and later appeals for extra money.
\We need to be able to plan and not have to dip into the contingency every year,"" said Ald. Judy Olson, District 6.
The funds would primarily cover overtime costs and towing expenses. The department has exceeded its overtime budget every year since 1987, according to Assistant Police Chief Noble Wray.
The new request would not cover over $500,000 in unbudgeted security costs the city acquired during the U.S. Conference of Mayors in June and has yet to pay.
