Firefighters, police officers, and union leaders packed a Waukegan City Council meeting to voice their concerns about proposed layoffs, Monday. They say the job cuts would threaten public safety.
In the last 10 days, Waukegan Mayor Robert Sabonjian says the city has slashed its projected deficit from $6 million to $3 million, by cutting spending for sidewalk repairs, equipment purchasing, and major projects.
Sabonjian says the city may still be forced to cut jobs, including 20 police officers, 16 firefighters, and 10 city hall workers to fill the budget hole, unless unions agree to a 7-percent pay cut.
Police and firefighters say layoffs and pay reductions are not the only options to cut costs.
Waukegan Firefighters IAFF Local 473 has proposed raising ambulance fees. Waukegan Police Benevolent Labor Committee Unit 42 proposed a change in the police patrol schedule.
Mayor Sabonjian says the city has applied for federal grants for police officers and firefighters, but that money may not arrive in time to save jobs.
The unions continue to negotiate with the city. Sabonjian says he expects negotiations to wrap up by the middle of next week.
