Chandler Chapter President James Kame says the city could avoid the need for 39 layoffs by offering retirement incentives to approximately 100 Chandler city employees.  SEIU and the City developed a retirement incentive plan last year that was accepted by 62 employees and saved numerous jobs.

The City of Chandler is looking at a $17.5 million budget deficit for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010 and budget recommendations include a call for the elimination of 58 city jobs, 19 of which are already vacant, according to a story in the Arizona Republic.

City councillors Matt Orlando and Jeff Weninger asked city administrators to look at retirement incentives, furloughs, job-sharing and other alternative to layoffs.  However, Mayor Boyd Dunn and Councilman Jack Sellers believe the recommended job cuts will preserve important city services.