TOPEKA— The city of Topeka is looking to cut more than 30 jobs next year to deal with a $5 million budget deficit resulting from efforts to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.
Topeka City Manager Brent Trout on Tuesday proposed cutting 32 full-time position and reducing at least one position to part time in 2021.
According to a media release, the specific positions eliminated include the Deputy City Manager, Director of Neighborhood Relations and Emergency Manager. The City of Topeka will continue to work closely with Shawnee County Emergency Management for city emergency response. The Neighborhood Relations Department will be absorbed into another department, which will be decided at a later date.
These individuals are not being dismissed due to any conduct or performance issues. However, the effect the pandemic is anticipated to have on the city budget is likely to be severe. This requires that steps be taken to responsibly navigate through this unprecedented event, including the elimination of positions.
“Eliminating these positions was a difficult decision," said Trout.
The elimination of these three positions, including salaries and benefits, will save the city approximately $446,000 in 2021.
The mayor and City Council will consider the proposal before finalizing the budget in August. The proposed cuts come as reduced sales tax revenues have left the city struggling to balance its budget for this year.