Cops, firefighters on Tacoma chopping block
Oct 3, 2012, 6:15 AM | Updated: 7:46 am
Tacoma is facing a $63 million budget hole next year and hundreds of layoffs and new taxes are being proposed to fill it.
The city manager’s proposed plan includes eliminating 217 jobs, including over 150 layoffs and retirements with a decision not to fill the vacant positions.
Police and fire would be hit hard, losing 58 jobs, library hours would be cut, and public works would take deep job cuts, too.
The Tacoma News Tribune reports a new $20 car tab fee is being considered. So is the elimination of the business tax exemption for health care non-profits.
Department re-organizations would also help trim costs.
Tacoma was in a similar situation last year when it faced a $32 million shortfall.
