Walnut Creek eyes layoffs, other cuts to balance budget

Employee layoffs and furloughs, fewer library hours, reduced support of local programs and community groups, cuts in capital project funding and parking changes are likely in the offing to allow the city of Walnut Creek to plug an anticipated $15.7 million budget gap, the result of revenues lost because of COVID-19 and its effect on businesses and arts programs.

“There is a lot not to like in these budget proposals,” City Manager Dan Buckshi told the Walnut Creek City Council this week during a discussion of budget strategies. “The choices are ‘tough’ and ‘tougher.'”