Budget Plan Cuts 44 Jobs to Close Gap

Faced with a $4-million operating budget shortfall, City Administrator Michael T. Uberuaga this week unveiled a plan for the coming fiscal year that would eliminate 44 full-time jobs as part of $2 million in spending cuts.

The budget proposal for fiscal 1996-97, which starts Oct. 1, proposes $1.2 million in new revenue.

After hearing public comment Tuesday on the $198-million spending plan, which includes a $97-million operating budget, the City Council took no action but continued the public hearing to Sept. 16, when a vote is likely.

“It was a very difficult process this year to balance the budget,” Mayor Dave Sullivan said. “But I think we’ve come up with a plan that potentially all the council can support.”

Most of the positions to be cut are vacant and will not be filled.

Uberuaga said the reduction of full-time positions includes the recent elimination of 17 Fire Department positions during the consolidation of fire communication services with those of neighboring cities. Five people were laid off in that move.

Proposed staffing changes also include eliminating a Police Department accident investigator and helicopter pilot. The two officers in those jobs would be transferred to other positions.