Kennewick official says layoffs may be necessary

By John Trumbo, Herald staff writer

A $1.6 million shortfall forecast for Kennewick's 2009-10 general fund budget of $80 million is expected to mean layoffs at city hall by year's end.

Marie Mosely, director of support services, reported on the bleak economic outlook during the city council's budget committee meeting Monday.

Eight city staffers attended, but Steve Young was the only council member on the panel who was there. Bob Olson and Mayor Tom Moak could not attend.

Mosely said the income problem was "not really a deficit," but a "reduction due to not achieving the $2 million reserves."

Kennewick already has cut about 20 employees through attrition in the past few years, City Manager Bob Hammond recently told the council.

He also noted in a memo to the council that he may recommend not having the annual boards and commissions banquet, which cost $4,600 last year, and delay the annual fall employee appreciation luncheon.

Hammond also mentioned technology improvements at the one-stop customer service counter in city hall probably will delayed.

The cash flow is so slow that city staff cautioned at a council workshop last week about the city contributing $7,000 for a $50,000 Tri-Cities Rivershore Enhancement Council beautification master plan update.

Mosley said city sales tax revenue is down for the year but showed a slight gain in August and September over 2008. Still, she expects 2009 sales taxes for the city to fall about 3.5 percent below 2008.

-- John Trumbo: 582-1529; jtrumbo@tricityherald.com

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Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009

Kennewick official says layoffs may be necessary

By John Trumbo, Herald staff writer