Budget deficit may trigger more layoffs (Bridgeport)

[Pale Blue Dot]

BRIDGEPORT — Mayor Bill Finch is readying a new round of municipal layoffs as worries escalate over a growing budget deficit in the fiscal year that is only two months old.

"We are thinking about layoffs. We are considering all kinds of options," Finch said.

Although the mayor declined to say how many workers may be laid off and when, the ax may fall across the board, including departments usually immune to cuts, such as police.

The prospective layoffs are caused by diminishing revenue, a reflection of the national economic downtown. Although the 2008-09 fiscal year began July 1, city officials are watching nearly every category of revenue come in at levels lower than projected.

City Council member Robert Curwen, D-138, co-chairman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, said Finch warned of layoffs when the current budget was put together during the spring.

http://www.connpost.com/breakingnews/ci_10347249