Wilmington’s Mayor cuts jobs, spending to save the budget

11 vacant positions will not be filled as well to save $2million

Wilmington Mayor James Baker had predicted they would come sooner rather than later.  The city will cut $6million out its 2011 bugdet and with it will lay off 20 city workers in January.

Baker had told WHYY’s First in October that he had a proposal on his desk for cuts, but had hoped revenue numbers would get better so he wouldn’t have to enact any layoffs.

The News Journal reports 6 police officers and a fire fighter are among those being let go.  Wilmgton’s Public Safety Director James Mosley, who serves as a coordinator between the police and fire chief is on the list.  Outgoing state treasurer Velda Jones-Potter will also see and end to  her $150 an hour consulting contract.   Delaware State Treasurer-elect Chip Flowers had made the contract a campaign issue in his September primary win.

The layoffs and cuts don’t sit well with everyone.  The head of Council 81 of the America Federation of state, county and municipal employees called the plan irresponsible.  Mike Bagatto told the News Journal, “the mayor is big on calling people idiots. Well, tomorrow he might want to wake up and look in the mirror and use that line.”