“Gang members recruit while Watsonville lays off police officers,” wrote Watsonville City Councilmember Emilio Martinez on his blog.
“Gang members recruit while Watsonville lays off police officers,” wrote Watsonville City Councilmember Emilio Martinez on his blog. He was commenting about the decision to send out layoff notices to seven police officers and four firefighters in an effort to cover an almost $2 million deficit. The decision came after the city and unions were unable to reach a deal over pensions and overtime costs. These are the main drivers behind a $1.4 million increase in public safety costs next year.
Martinez says that while the layoff notices have been sent, the fight is not yet over. Bargaining units representing the city and the unions are still meeting, but he anticipates a grim outcome. Whatever is finally decided, salary reductions by as much as 10 percent for all municipal employees and a 20 percent cut in social service and community grants are all to be expected. Read more at KION.
