Mayor Johnson Prepares City Hall for Potential Midyear Layoffs

Mayor Brandon Johnson is preparing for potential midyear layoffs at City Hall due to expected revenue shortfalls. This move has sparked outrage among members of the City Council, particularly those who recently passed an alternative budget. The mayor’s administration has expressed concerns about the feasibility of the new budget, which displaces his previous proposals.

Concerns Over Budget Viability

Johnson’s finance team has repeatedly warned that the alternative revenue plan contains unrealistic estimates. The revised budget, totaling $16.6 billion, relies heavily on selling off long-term debt to collection agencies and an anticipated surge in video gambling licenses.

• Expected revenue from 3,300 eligible establishments may not materialize.
• Predictions about gaming licenses being issued this year are uncertain.

Despite these concerns, opposition leaders assumed Johnson would engage collaboratively to make the new revenue ideas work. Instead, he has remained focused on a budget battle that he previously lost.

Reactions from City Council

Opposition leaders have expressed anger at Johnson’s warning of layoffs. Alderman Pat Dowell, Finance Committee Chair, emphasized that the budget is balanced with only slight amendments made. She criticized the mayor for not working on the upcoming budgets effectively.

• “I’m outraged. He should be focused on budget implementation,” Dowell stated.
• Alderman Scott Waguespack accused Johnson of creating unnecessary crises.
• Alderman Matt O’Shea defended the viability of their proposed budget, highlighting past inaccuracies in Johnson’s projections.

Some council members argue that the mayor seems poised to avoid responsibility for the budget implementation, potentially setting the stage for a blame game.

Potential Impact on Public Employees

Johnson highlighted the serious implications for public employees attached to community safety arising from these layoffs. He mentioned the need for strategic decisions as revenue figures come in monthly, but did not specify potential layoffs or timelines.

Leadership Changes Amidst Budget Conflicts

As tensions rise, Johnson’s Chief Financial Officer, Jill Jaworski, is set to leave for a position at a nonprofit organization. Johnson praised her contributions, noting that her decision to leave was independent of his influence.

The ongoing budget struggle underscores significant division within the City Council as Johnson braces for potential midyear layoffs while majority council members seek to solidify their alternative budget’s implementation.