Local
Tacoma lays off additional 120 employees amid pandemic as revenue plummets
The city of Tacoma laid off an additional 120 employees on Monday as it works to make up for a budget shortfall in the millions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The layoffs last through June 22 and join 150 layoffs made by the city earlier this month.
Departments impacted include the city manager’s office, city attorney’s office, human resources, neighborhood and community services, community and economic development, public works, finance, fire, planning and police.
The city employs about 2,250 people.
The new layoffs are projected to save the city $1.7 million, which includes $500,000 in general fund savings.
The city projected to save a total of $1.5 million from the previous 150 layoffs for a total of $3.2 million saved so far.
The city is facing a $40 million general fund shortfall in addition to a $24 million loss from others funds, including the Streets Initiative, mental health and chemical dependency, parking, convention center and permitting funds.
While on temporary layoff status, employees will receive full health benefits and will not be required by the state to look for another job while collecting unemployment benefits, according to the city. Every employee approved for Washington state unemployment also qualifies for an additional $600 per week through July 25, 2020, under the federal CARES Act.