Pennsylvania City May Layoff Firefighters

Harrisburg Mayor Stephen Reed said he should know today how many people would be laid off because of the city's $14 million budget deficit. The layoffs could affect workers in management positions and police and firefighters. "It's highly likely that some city police officers have to be furloughed or hirings won't take place to meet budget goals we have," said city spokesman Randy King. King said Mayor Stephen Reed has been in meetings around the clock, trying to find a way to ease the budget crunch. King said the mayor is looking at literally hundreds of combinations to minimize layoffs. One way is to generate new revenue sources for the city by possibly selling land or city-owned property, King said. The mayor is also looking at going to a four-day workweek and closing city offices of Fridays. The measure would cause employees to take 10 percent pay cut, saving the city money. Previous Stories: October 19, 2006: Budget Deficit: City Employees May Work Shortened Hours October 18, 2006: Layoffs Loom As Mayor, City Council Battle October 12, 2006: Budget Battle: Mayor's Office Accuses Council Of Lying October 11, 2006: Some City Workers Could Go Unpaid, Or Be Laid Off September 20, 2006: City May Not Make Payroll In Face Of $11M Deficit September 18, 2006: Raised Taxes, Layoffs Possible In Face Of Deficit