Tulsa to consider layoffs as city budget widens

TULSA, Okla. (AP) – Tulsa’s budget hole has significantly increased, outpacing earlier projections and leaving the city with fewer options to avoid layoffs.

The Tulsa World (http://bit.ly/1P3Sf1Q ) reports that city officials have increased their projections for the shortfall from $7.2 million to $8.5 million by the end of the fiscal year in June.

A hiring freeze since December and possible cuts ordered by city administration have about $6.2 million of the shortfall covered. But $2.3 million, and possibly more if the revenue shortfall worsens, is needed to cover the deficit.

City Manager Jim Twombly says the administration is working to avoid layoffs, but that they’re still an option.

Councilors were updated on the shortfall Thursday. They say they’re concerned they won’t have time to review the cuts being considered before the budget year ends.