Cathedral City Issues Layoff Notices

Looking at almost an $8 millionbudget shortfall,Cathedral City is making some difficult cuts in public safety.

Late last weekthe city’s fire chiefBill Soqui received his pink slip. The chief makes a little over $172,000a year.
With the city eliminating his position, the job duties will be shared by two battalion chiefs.
Also, although subject to change,four firefighters are in line to lose their jobs, down from what had originally been twelve.
“This is not something the city wants to do, I want to be clear about that,” said Allen Howe, Assistant to the City Manager. “We are making these kinds of cuts as are other cities in the Valley and California primarily due to the economic downturn that’s continuing on, the state taking away money to balance the budget.”

And Councilman Greg Pettis confirmed Monday, that six sworn police officers have received layoff notices.

Overall, 32 city employees received pink slips last week.

The City Council has scheduled a special budget meeting for June 19. Itmust have a new budget in place by July 1.