This California city spent $1.7M on unauthorized overtime for hundreds of employees, auditor says, as it faces a massive $129M budget shortfall

"This issue of excessive overtime pay warrants the city's immediate attention because taxpayers have essentially been incurring significant costs that were never approved," City Auditor Michael Houston said in a news release Feb. 20.

Here's what the situation means for taxpayers.

Budget crisis

The overpayments are especially troubling due to current budget shortfalls, which Houston says have prompted the city to look "under couch cushions for spare coins."

Lifelong Oakland resident Dion Baker says it's hard to hear about years of overspending while the city lays off workers and slashes public safety spending.

"A bit of frustration and a bit of sadness because trust for leadership in general, I'd say, is a little low," he shared with CBS News Bay Area.

The city has also cut off millions in funding to community organizations who provide social services to those in need, according to the local broadcaster.

"What I read and see on the TV, what's going on right now, people like me, I'm scared to death," John Hutchinson told CBS News Bay Area. The 88-year-old resident is homebound and says he relies on Meals on Wheels not only to feed himself but for social interaction.

Interim Oakland Mayor Kevin Jenkins vowed to get to the bottom of the situation.