As the City of Tempe faces "its most significant financial challenge in its history," according to Financial Services Manager Jerry Hart, SEIU Arizona Tempe Chapter leaders continue to work with the city to mitigate job and service cutbacks.

Thanks to an early retirement incentive package developed with the city by our union, more than 125 SEIU-represented city employees will be leaving the city by the end of June.  Tempe Chapter members have also provided the city with a list of cost-saving and revenue-generating ideas.

Still, additional positions, including some in the police and fire departments, may have to be eliminated if the city is to close a $30-million budget gap for the next fiscal year.

Further details in this Arizona Republic story.