The city of Oakland is grappling with a significant financial crisis that has led to approximately 100 layoffs and demotions among city workers over the coming weeks. The public works and police departments are the hardest hit, losing 26 and 19 positions, respectively. As the city struggles with overspending, particularly in police overtime, cuts are being made across various departments, including fire and planning. City Administrator Jestin Johnson acknowledged the difficulty of these decisions but emphasized the goal of achieving long-term financial stability for Oakland.
Today's steps are unfortunate, and difficult, Johnson said in a statement. I won't sugarcoat that, but I do want you all to know we are moving toward a long-term financial stability this City has desperately needed for too long.
Police overtime has been the biggest source of overspending at the cash-strapped city, which also has fallen short of what it expected to bring in from once-reliable revenue streams.
When the dust settles, roughly 100 people will be affected, either through layoffs or position bumps, City Administrator Jestin Johnson said in a statement.
The cuts to police are limited to non-sworn positions due to an agreement in the police officers union's current contract that restricts cops from being laid off.
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