SPOKANE, Wash. — The City of Spokane is offering early retirement incentives to address its deficit. According to the mayor’s office, the deficit now stands at 14 million after a series of cuts and new contracts.
Erin Hut from the City of Spokane says the new cost-saving measures that were announced are not ideal but necessary: “I think the first decision you have to make is that you have to stop digging yourself in the hole.”
According to The City, the structural deficit has been reduced from $25 million to $14 million as of Sept. 1.
Hut told NonStop Local that their work wasn’t done yet, but things are moving in the right direction.
“It means we’re 9 million dollars to being closer to being back on track.”
Part of making up the rest of the money came from Mayor Lisa Brown’s meeting with the managerial and professional association regarding a voluntary retirement incentive for city employees.
According to the City, it would work as follows;
$10,000 for employees with at least 10 but less than 15 years of service $15,000 for employees with at least 15 but less than 20 years of service $20,000 (maximum) for employees with 20 years or more of service
Hut told NonStop Local that specific criteria would have to be met to qualify: ” We’re going to analyze what happens to their work and what happens to their services that they provide before we approve their ability to take this retirement.”
Hut added that a similar incentive has already been successful within the Spokane Police Department. She explained that around 20 officers have taken advantage of the early retirement plan which will save the City about 1.2 million dollars. Hut emphasized that these positions will be filled as they recently received approval to do so.
Hut said that the City’s main objective is to continuously meet the needs of its residents while being fiscally responsible. ” Today is evidence to our community that we are taking it seriously, and we are continuing to do work to make those cuts and also provide essential services that people in the city rely on.”
The City will have to vote on this proposal. If approved, according to a press release from the City of Spokane, those looking to take advantage of this voluntary retirement incentive need to apply by 5 p.m. on Oct. 11. Those approved must separate from the City no later than Dec. 3.
