The scenario I wrote about in a previous post concerning looming layoffs of Reno city workers has come to pass. At its meeting on February 10, the Reno City Council authorized another 100 layoffs to bridge the ever widening gap between income and expenditures. The city needs to trim $6.3 million to balance the budget through the end of this fiscal year on June 30. All together, the city will lose about 146 jobs when you add in vacant positions and those of retiring employees that won't be filled.
Reno City Hall.
Photo © Stan White
The City Council and Mayor Bob Cashell are trying to gain concessions from city employee unions as a way to lower the number of layoffs. Union representatives at the meeting said they are willing to discuss the matter. Three-man engine crews instead of four is one concession Cashell wants from firefighters. This would avoid closing several fire stations, according to Reno Fire Chief Michael Hernandez. Other possible consequences of all the layoffs include permanently closing some of Reno's public swimming pools and fewer police officers on the streets. The list goes on. Unfortunately, however it plays out right now will only be a temporary patch. The new reality is fewer city employees providing fewer services to residents.
For fiscal year 2011-2012, starting on July 1, the forecast calls for an additional $20 - $25 million in cuts to balance the budget. The question is how the City Council will spread the cuts across city departments. How would you deal with this shrinking pie? In this poll, you can select more than one response.
Sources: City of Reno, Reno Gazette-Journal.
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