Costa Mesa to Lay Off 13; More to Follow

Seeking to close a projected $4.5-million budget gap, the City Council on Monday authorized the layoffs of 13 employees.

Calling the action a “last resort,” City Manager Allan Roeder said more layoffs can be expected in weeks to come, especially if state lawmakers follow through with threats to take large chunks of local revenue.

The workers who will receive layoff notices next week include tree trimmers, police aides, maintenance workers and building and plumbing inspectors. The city will contract with private companies to do some of those jobs.

“These are not the only areas subject to privatization,” Roeder said. “There are, indeed, any number of positions that can be privatized, including my own.”

The affected employees had been advised of the layoffs last week, Roeder said. None of them attended the Monday night meeting. They will be given six months before they are let go.

Roeder said city officials haven’t figured out yet how much money the city will save.

During the last three years, a hiring freeze has been in place and several cutbacks have been made as city officials try to grapple with the lingering effects of the recession and state cutbacks. The city’s work force has gone from 630 to 572 employees during that period. However, this week marked the first time layoff notices have been given.

“No one likes to do this,” Councilman Joe Erickson said about the council’s unanimous decision to contract out work. “But I support the city manager’s efforts to balance the budget without raising taxes or taking money out of reserves.”