EVERETT – Seventeen city employees lost their jobs Tuesday as part of $3.5 million in budget cuts that Mayor Ray Stephanson announced this morning.
As a result of the cuts, residents can expect reduced library hours, longer grass at parks because of reduced maintenance, the elimination of some parks classes and programs and less enforcement of building codes.
“Making these reductions now will help us avoid deeper and more severe cuts in the future,” Stephanson said.
City Councilman Mark Olson said he opposed some of the cuts in light of the city’s $24 million surplus.
“At a time when we have such a substantial bank balance, this is not an opportune time to terminate employees and disrupt the lives of employees who have served this community,” he said.
Stephanson does not need City Council approval for the cuts, but he asked for an April 14 council vote on his proposal anyway.
A public hearing on the cuts is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. April 14 in the City Council chambers, 3002 Wetmore Ave.
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