Alameda County
Oakland Will Lay Off Dozens of City Workers
The city’s plan to eliminate a nearly $130 million shortfall in its general purpose fund for fiscal year 2024-2025, which ends in June, with cuts by $25 million to police overtime, eliminating two police academies, temporarily shutting down two fire companies, and reducing funding for arts and cultural services.
By Post Staff
The City of Oakland plans to lay off dozens of employees as officials struggle to balance the city’s budget.
According to reports in Oaklandside and other sources, as many as 90 layoff notices have been sent out, though it is still uncertain how many workers and which departments will be affected.
The city’s plan to eliminate a nearly $130 million shortfall in its general purpose fund for fiscal year 2024-2025, which ends in June, with cuts by $25 million to police overtime, eliminating two police academies, temporarily shutting down two fire companies, and reducing funding for arts and cultural services.
The city also plans to temporarily close four additional fire stations and layoff 92 employees.
Though City officials and labor union representatives have been discussing ways to avoid or reduce layoffs, there are no indications they have reached any agreements.
Planning is also already underway for the new two-year budget, which begins in July. To relieve the city’s budget shortfall, the City Council has placed a sales tax hike on the April ballot, which could raise about $21 million next year if it passes.
The city may also receive $125 million from the African American Sports and Entertainment Group for the sale of the Coliseum.
Until recently, the deal had been held up awaiting a decision by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, but the board approved the sale on Jan. 15.
