Hundreds of residents packed the chambers of Oakland City Hall Thursday, as the council voted on a controversial budget. (Photo: Richard Parks)

With hundreds of residents and Mayor Ron Dellums in attendance, the Oakland City Council approved a controversial budget plan Thursday night that will lay off 80 police officers to help close the city's $30.5 million deficit.

The budget passed by a 5-3 vote.

Pink slips will be sent out to police immediately, with the layoffs taking effect in mid-July.

"Everybody's going to share the pain," said City Council member Ignacio De La Fuente.

The budget includes cuts across the city, with $18.7 million in savings coming from programs outside of the police department. But the cuts to law enforcement are especially painful in a city that is enduring sustained levels of violence.

Total police layoffs could balloon to as many as 202 by January 2011 if voters do not approve two ballot measures in November. A parcel tax of up to $360 per single-family household and changes to Measure Y, a popular violence prevention program would free up funds for public safety, which account for roughly three-quarters of Oakland's $400 million general fund.

If voters do not approve the changes to Measure Y, the budget forecasts 27 additional police layoffs in January. If the changes and the parcel tax are approved, all 80 positions will be restored, according to the council's budget.

Thursday night, community stakeholders crowded the council chambers to lob criticisms at the council and the police union, who have been engaged in a contentious media battle.

Many criticized the police union for not agreeing to contract concessions. Police are the only unionized city workers who do not pay into their own pensions. The average police salary tops $100,000, with as much as $80,000 paid by the city in pension and benefits.

"We have to enact pension reform," said council member Rebecca Kaplan, who voted against the budget.

The police union has negotiated with members of the council for the past month, but refused any concessions.

On Monday, the union staged a press conference near the scene of a recent murder in West Oakland. On Tuesday, the union sent out a robocall to Oakland residents blaming council member Jean Quan, who is running for mayor, for the cuts. The union is backing former State Senate Pro Tem Don Perata for mayor.

"I'm sorry if I made some people mad," said Dom Arotzarena, president of the Oakland Police Officers Association.

Some residents said they'd be reluctant to support a parcel tax in November.

"This mess is your fault," said Marleen Sacks, an Oakland resident who has sued the city twice-and won-for previous changes to Measure Y. "You have completely lost your credibility."

The details of the parcel tax are yet to be determined.

The Oakland City Council will convene again for a regular meeting June 29.