Some Beach jobs at risk as city considers cuts

VIRGINIA BEACH

Facing the worst economic situation in almost 20 years, Virginia Beach department directors have warned some city staffers that their positions could be in jeopardy in the upcoming budget.

The directors had to present their budget proposals, with a 14 percent spending cut, to City Manager Jim Spore earlier this month. Public safety bosses were asked to reduce their 2010- 11 budget plan by 4 percent.

City officials haven't ruled out layoffs as a way to balance the budget. Furloughs and tax and fee increases also have been mentioned.

"I cannot guarantee that layoffs will not occur, but I am doing everything in my power to ensure they do not," Spore wrote to employees last week.

Beach officials would not say how many employees have been told their positions aren't recommended for funding.

The city faces an $84.4 million shortfall between city and schools. The 14 percent cut that department directors were asked to make for the initial proposal represents a worst-case scenario, said Catheryn Whitesell, the budget director.

"It's a very fluid situation," Whitesell said.

Mayor Will Sessoms said he hopes the city will be able to move people whose positions are cut to vacancies within the Beach. In the recession of the early 1990s, the city eliminated 500 positions without any layoffs.

In a typical month, the Beach has 250 vacant positions, including those in public safety, Whitesell said.

"They may not have the job they currently have," Whitesell said. "But it's the city manager's intent to try and transfer them."

Still, city leaders want employees to be prepared and have as much information as possible to make their decisions, she said. An employee who has another job offer should know whether a current position is funded for next year, she said.

"We really are committed to the work force," Whitesell said.

Spore will spend the next few months in discussions with department directors and his leadership team to come up with a 2010- 11 budget proposal. He will present his spending plan to the City Council on March 23.

The city will hold public hearings on the budget in April.

Deirdre Fernandes, (757) 222-5121, deirdre.fernandes@pilotonline.com