Norwalk : Austerity Budget Approved; Layoffs Remain in Effect
The City Council approved a $55-million austerity budget Tuesday, declining to reverse its decision to lay off 10 employees to save about $550,000 a year.
In addition to the layoffs, 24 vacant positions will remain unfilled for a savings of about $750,000. The city is projected to end the fiscal year, which began July 1, with a $10-million reserve.
City officials said the spending reductions are necessary to make up for lower-than-expected sales tax revenues and other income shortfalls because of the recession.
The 10 layoffs, which include three community workers who steer kids away from gangs, will be spread among various city departments.
Last week, a handful of residents urged the council to keep the community workers to deal with Norwalk’s gang problem. When the layoffs take effect at the end of the month, the city will have just two community workers.
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