The San Luis Obispo City Council has adopted a supplemental budget for 2020-21 that takes into account the economic impacts of COVID-19.
Officials say the city has experienced a significant revenue shortfall estimated at approximately $8.6 million as a result of the pandemic.
To address that shortfall, the city has placed a hold on hiring, purchasing, and travel not directly supporting essential services, temporarily closed facilities and programs, and furloughed 200 part-time temporary employees. All city departments have also reduced their operational budgets.
"Today, we find ourselves in unprecedented and challenging times due to the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the City's ability to deliver the services, programs and projects the community values most," City Manager Derek Johnson said in a statement. "Despite the challenges, we were able to present a balanced budget and now our number one priority is to focus on economic and social recovery and to build resiliency for the future so all community members can recover and thrive together."
The city council also appropriated $140,000 of new funding toward programs to support diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
For a closer look at the city's budget, click here.
