January 14, 2003

City of Beaumont Layoffs

Beaumont City Manager Kyle Hayes is preparing to lay off several city employees on Friday.

"We have worked through a $5.9 million budget deficit," Hayes noted, blaming a shortfall in sales tax.  "The sales tax numbers for the first four months of this fiscal year, to date we are down $470,000 from what we budgeted."

"It's tough," Hayes said, noting that the layoffs will not solve the budget deficit.  "But we will be moving in the right direction by reducing our expenses." 

Hayes won't say how many people will be laid off.  Employees who are terminated will be provided four week's pay and benefits.