The Compton City Council passed a budget at its Tuesday meeting that officials said avoids a government shutdown but that is expected to result in layoffs.
The city council voted 3-1 to approve the budget, with Janna Zurita, Lillie Dobson, and Mayor Eric Perrodin voting “yes,” and Yvonne Arceneaux casting the only “no” vote. Willie O. Jones, was absent.
The majority of the viewing public was upset with the outcome, and many yelled and stormed out of the meeting.
At a previous meeting, the budget proposal included an estimated 91 layoffs needed because the city faces a $23 million budget deficit. Treasurer Douglas Sanders warned that if the new budget wasn’t passed, city employees might not have gotten paid at all this week.
“We have to take the responsibility as leaders to do what’s right for the overall betterment of the city,” said Mayor Perrodin. “I wish nobody would get laid off, but I don’t see that reality.”
City workers said the layoffs would be devastating.
“It’s going to devastate city services. I live in the city. I’m a homeowner in this city. I’m the sole supporter of my family,” said city employee Rose Downs. “It’s going to devastate families throughout this city.”
Angered union employees claimed that in light of this outcome they are moving forward to take legal action against the city of Compton.
