WTOL.com, Toledo's News Leader, News 11 | Red light revenue off; layoffs looming, mayor says

Red light revenue off; layoffs looming, mayor says

Reported by Rob Wiercinski email

Posted by Kate Oatis email

TOLEDO (WTOL) - Toledo City council just learned about another hit to the budget. Revenue from red light cameras is falling well short of original projections for the year, and that's pushing the city's operating budget further into the red.

Photo enforcement revenue was set at around $2.5 million for the 2008 general fund budget, but that projection has been revised to around $1.8 million. One reason given is that there has been a 5 percent decrease in traffic around the city.

The higher fines are not being approved by council until February, and there is difficulty putting new cameras in at certain intersections.

All this could result in some layoffs for the city in the near future, which bothers some council members.

"I think there will be some layoffs. We've been assured that police and fire will not be part of those layoffs, but we also understand that there will be other departments that will be affected. You will have retirements and not filling positions saves money," said Councilman George Sarantou.

Mayor Carty Finkbeiner, when asked about the potential for layoffs, said that anywhere between 10-15 employees will likely be laid off by Oct. 1.