The Chula Vista City Council chamber was packed tonight with city employees who were afraid of losing their jobs because of pending layoffs that are supposed to address a $12.5 million budget shortfall next year.
Members of the standing room only crowd were also there to voice opposition to Proposition H, a proposed ordinance that would extend the city’s Utility User’s Tax that would include cell phones and Internet communications.
If passed the measure could generate more than $5 million in revenue.
City staff presented the council with a budget balancing plan to address the city’s estimated 2011-2012 budget shortfall.
The five-year financial forecast includes severe cuts that would include administrative services, development and maintenance departments and public safety.
Chula Vista City Manager Jim Sandoval recently sent out more than 70 layoffs notices and 40 demotions effective Jan. 7, 2011.
“We are looking for opportunities to save as many positions as possible,” Sandoval said.
Pick up the Oct. 8 edition of The Star-News for more details.
