Atwater layoffs under way

ATWATER -- City management confirmed today that several employees were given layoff notices this week and more could follow.

Fourteen employees were given pink slips Monday that become effective Oct. 29, said Frank Pietro, police chief and interim city manager of Atwater. Another 24 employees got letters the following day, notifying them that they could also be laid off as the city tries to balance its budget.

The majority of the layoffs will be in public works, Pietro said. Several other departments will also be affected. The only department that isn't being hit with layoffs is police, but there is the potential of four retirements that could help ease the budget.

"We're still trying to balance the budget and take care of this $3 million-plus deficit," Pietro said. "Unfortunately, it has been a miserable week for me having to give out pink slips. For me having to give out pink slips to people I've worked with for a long time, it's just horrible. It's been a nightmare."

Tonight's open-session meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 750 Bellevue Road in Atwater.

-- Mike North