Proposition B came without a funding source as it adds $80 million to $100 million a year to the city’s bottom line. At the same time, the city is experiencing a $117 million budget gap, with the cost of Prop B added on top of that.
By law, the city must balance its budget before the start of the next fiscal year, July 1.
The City asked Patrick “Marty” Lancton of the firefighters’ association to phase in Prop B over five years to avoid any layoffs of firefighters and municipal workers. He refused and is demanding the immediate implementation of Prop B. The City is doing precisely that. but it will require layoffs to balance the city’s budget.
Today the 67 fire cadets received notice that they will be laid off in 60 days. Next week 47 municipal workers will receive notices. And on April 17, City Council will vote on layoffs of classified (first responder) personnel.
In the absence of a phased-in approach, the City’s options are limited when we must balance our budget by the end of June.