January 19, 2003
City of Beaumont

Beaumont City Manager Kyle Hayes announced the layoff of 31 city employees on Friday.  Thirteen were public works employees, eight worked in central services, three in public health, five in community service, including library and recreation, one was in the human resources department and one was a civilian, part-time employee in the fire department.

"It is extremely tough on the administration to lay off employees," Hayes said.  "It was the last resort."

Hayes blamed sales tax receipts that are $470,000 below budget.

The employees will receive pay and benefits for four weeks.

Hayes said he will seek ways to cut expenses with minimal impact to public services.