As Manhattan faces a revenue shortfall, one city official suggests staff reduction could be a solution. The city will have just over $1 million in revenue remaining near the end of 2025, and officials previously have said they’d rather not see numbers dip below $10 million in the general reserve. Interim city manager Jason Hilgers said reducing staff has been an effective solution in the past. “There are different ways we can look at revenue,” Hilgers said. “But I think historically, pressure really comes on reductions in people because people are primarily what compromises the city. It’s individuals out delivering services as opposed to a lot of contractual services or commodities that are engaged, embedded in our budgets as well.” Other city officials have offered some solutions. Commissioner Karen McCullough suggested raising the mill levy, while commissioner John Matta cautioned against the approach because it could raise taxes. New commissioner Jayme Minton has said the city needs to get its financial situation under control. Hilgers said the city may have to pursue staff reduction, though cutting off services could be a major issue. He said officials usually look at reducing the size of their government departments so the city can decrease some of its financial obligations.
Source: themercury.com
