Jun 2, 2008 5:42 pm US/Pacific
Newsom's Budget To Layoff 450 SF City Workers
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5 / KCBS) ―
The city of San Francisco's revenue is up, but some 450 layoffs of city workers are needed in order to close a $338 million deficit, Mayor Gavin Newsom said Wednesday as he unveiled the budget for coming year.
Newsom's $6.5 billion spending plan eliminates a total of 1,085 jobs from the city payroll, but many of those positions are currently unfilled.
The mayor blamed city unions representing police, attorneys and nurses for not agreeing to give-backs on the contracts his administration negotiated with them two years ago.
Newsom said reduced state funding caused by the state of California's spiraling deficit also took a toll on San Francisco's ability to keep pace with its own spending.
His budget proposal increases fees charged for ambulance services and building inspections. Service fees charged at golf courses and for recreation programs in some city parks will also cost more.
Newsom outlined the spending plan at the Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard, where voters must choose between two competing measures on Tuesday's ballot that each promise to increase affordable housing in the long-depressed area.
The budget now goes to the Board of Supervisors for consideration and approval.
Despite the proposed budget cuts, the mayor said the city's economy is doing well overall and municipal financial "reserves have never been better."
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
