In the face of a $12 million budget shortfall, Hayward’s leaders are slashing their salaries. “I’m proud of my colleagues, and I’m very proud of our executive team, who have stepped up again to take a pay cut to fight this budget deficit together,” said Hayward Mayor Mark Salinas. A primary source of the city’s burdensome expenses comes from more than $37 million in overtime pay. When the council approved the city’s budget in June, officials knew it would have to be revised over the coming months to balance the city’s finances, Finnie said. A new budget is scheduled to be presented to the city council in November that includes revisions that cut down on the city’s expenses and reduce the strain on the city’s general fund.