Salinas faces financial impacts amidst COVID-19 pandemic

SALINAS, Calif. (KION)

City officials announced a plan to address financial impacts in the community caused by the ongoing pandemic at a press conference Wednesday.

Mayor Joe Gunter says one of the biggest financial impacts the city faces is a $14M dollar reduction in revenue that could possibly affect the city in the coming years.

He also says the cancellation of events like the Salinas Air Show and other local events are contributing to this loss of revenue.

Non-profits have also been impacted as Gunter says right now there is no money to put into them.

Mayor Gunter says he is working on a plan with financial experts and other officials to try to ease some of the financial strain.

The options mentioned in the plan include reduced programs, furloughs, freezing positions, delayed hiring and early retirement.

Mayor Gunter says layoffs are a last resort.

"No one wants to lay off somebody that's a good employee, that's valued and is doing good work in this time of need," says Gunter.

He also announced the reopening of parks, with some limitations, and addressed health and safety concerns for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

Mayor Gunter says plans to reopen more businesses are still under review.