"We have worked hard to develop a reduction-in-force model that allows us to maintain service delivery at current levels," said Curtatone. "Many other local communities have had to resort to much deeper layoffs across the board. So far, we've been able to avoid that approach – but we're facing a state-imposed budget shortfall that may run as high as $13 million next year, and we're going to need a whole package of cost savings and revenue enhancements to bring our budget into balance. For example, if we don't see more city unions join the police patrolmen, superior officers and E911 operator unions – and our non-union workforce – in accepting zero-percent salary increases and furloughs, we may have to eliminate even more jobs. We may also have to revisit staffing levels if the state makes additional mid-year cuts in aid to cities and towns. Of course, the reverse is also true: we may be able to restore some of these positions if the state budget situation improves – but with the House, Senate and governor all in different places on taxes and on aid to cities and towns, we have to plan conservatively."

The Mayor indicated that the cuts would have been deeper if the city had not been able to save $2.8 million by setting the city's health care contributions for retirees at 75 percent – the average for municipal retirees across the state, and the same amount that active, nonunion city employees will be paying effective July 1st. "Without changes on the health insurance side, we would be seeing a loss of firefighters, deeper cuts at the police department, and the closure of Engine 4 and both of our new police substations," Curtatone said. "This plan still pinches, but it doesn't represent a retreat from the progress we've made in expanding services over the past five years."

The 24 eliminated positions include 21 union positions are spread across 10 City departments: Capital Projects (one vacancy); City Clerk (one vacancy); Department of Public Works (six layoffs); Finance (one vacancy); Health (one vacancy); Information Technology (position eliminated post-retirement), Library (four layoffs); Mayor's Office (one vacancy); Police (four officer vacancies); and Recreation and Youth (four layoffs).

"In all cases, our department heads have developed plans to ensure that are no reductions in service levels or in hours of operation for City facilities," said Curtatone. "It won't be easy, but we'll make it work. It's also important to recognize that the layoffs aren't about people but about positions. These are dedicated, professional employees and we will be sorry to lose their services – but their jobs must be eliminated to help close the budget gap."

By not having to pay the salary and benefits costs for the 24 eliminated positions, the City expects to save a total of $1,175,895 in FY2010.