The city’s new comptroller, Kristie Hansen-Hightower, said that overtime controls under the previous administration were lax, and that overtime costs spiked during to Tropical Storm Irene and Hurricane Sandy. “We do feel that our number is reasonable, and [overtime] is being monitored more closely,” she said.

While the budget includes a tax cut, the plan calls for a number of revenue-generating fee increases, including a $100 increase in refuse and garbage charges. It also aims to increase revenue for metered water sales and sewer rents with a 6 percent rate increase. But the state pointed out that the city is required to pass resolutions authorizing the planned fee increases in order to see any revenue.

Schnirman said that the new rates are scheduled to be approved prior to the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, and that residents who remain displaced can request a waiver to avoid the increase in sanitation fees, while water and sewer fees will remain flat.

The state also noted $300,000 in the budget that the city has set aside for contingencies, saying that the city charter does not authorize such an appropriation and recommending that the city amend it. Schnirman said that officials are considering doing that, but he stressed that it does not affect the budget.

“There are no surprises here,” he said of the review. “We are proud and pleased that the state comptroller’s first-year budget review has been completed, and no major financial weaknesses or budgetary issues have come forward. and we look forward to working with the state comptroller in the years ahead.”