Salinas city officials are asking city workers to take unpaid time off to help cover a widening budget deficit. Due to declining revenues resulting from the shelter in place order, the city is now looking at a $19.3 million deficit, up from a $14 million projection just last month.
Salinas city employees are being asked to take four hours of non-paid leave every pay period. That would total 13 days off without pay over the year – potentially saving the city $3.5 million. The remainder of the deficit would come from freezing vacant positions and program cuts.
The city is also seeking concessions from employee unions, saying layoffs might be required if agreements can’t be reached. The Salinas city council is scheduled to approve its new budget on June 23rd.
