Portland City Council passes budget that includes layoffs

PORTLAND (WGME) -- The Portland City Council approved a new budget that will cut dozens of positions.

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According to the city, 65 jobs could be eliminated after the council passed the $202 million proposed budget from the city manager.

Though a majority of positions cut would be in the Parks and Recreation Department, some amendments introduced spending in that department and others, specifically, $110,000 for specialty parks and recreation positions, and $57,000 for public toilet facilities, a demand of protesters who demonstrated at city hall for those experiencing homelessness.

According to Portland Mayor Kate Snyder the cuts are a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. She says the Parks and Recreation Department has been hit especially hard because they are not offering their usual programming this year.

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"What we're dealing with here is a budget that's been developed in response to a significantly changed environment and meaningful reduced revenues to the city of Portland," Snyder said.

Roughly 30 of the 65 positions to be eliminated are currently empty. The mayor says the goal is to bring them back when it is safe to resume programs and events.

The budget proposal also slightly reduced the tax rate.