City of Bothell issued the following announcement.
Several months ago, the City took several actions to address an estimated deficit resulting from COVID-19 closures. Concerned for our 2020 budget and how COVID might impact an already challenging 2021/22 budget, we instituted layoffs, hiring freezes, and spending freezes. Staff were also furloughed, resulting in limited city services being provided every other Friday. As we start to learn more about true financial impacts, results suggest that some revenues may not have been impacted as significantly as projected. As a result, we are now able to lift furloughs, and we are once again providing all city services Monday – Friday, excluding holidays. City Hall remains closed to in-person customers due to public health directives, but we are assisting customers via phone, virtually, and when necessary, scheduling appointments.
Is hiring and spending back to normal?
Departments are still making tough decisions. Positions are being carefully considered and being filled on a case-by-case basis. We are being cautious with spending and mindful of our challenging financial situation. Even with more optimistic financial reports coming in, we are still facing a deficit of less than $1M for 2020 as a result of COVID.
Will the positions that were laid off return?
Due to a historical structural deficit, we are still facing a very challenging budget for 2021-22. In order to keep our spending down and focus on financial stability, we do not expect to fill these positions in this budget cycle.
Original source can be found here.
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