Long Beach has unveiled a proposed budget that would lay off more than 260 city employees and eliminate more than 200 vacant positions as officials try to close a $58 million deficit. City Manager Tom Modica released the plan Thursday, saying it is designed to address next year’s budget gap.
The cuts would affect more than a dozen departments, including fire, police, homeless services, libraries and parks. In public safety, the proposal includes taking one fire engine out of service and eliminating 18 police detective positions.
The plan also would reduce homeless services by cutting motel voucher housing from 40 rooms to 15 and scaling back weekend field-support programs. Long Beach has relied on emergency reserves in recent years to cover deficits, but city officials say that cushion is now running out.
Mayor Rex Richardson has предложed a separate amendment that would restore 70 positions and preserve some youth and homeless programs. The city will begin public hearings Aug. 5 and expects to adopt a final budget in late September. Officials say the restructuring is aimed at producing the city’s first structural surplus in 10 years before the 2028 Olympics.
