Akron has initiated the layoffs as part of its plan to cut expenses to save as many permanent employees’ jobs as possible in the fourth quarter of this year.

Today’s is the third round of layoffs announced by the City, which faces a projected budget deficit of approximately $12 million before year’s end, due to decreasing revenue from income taxes, property taxes, investments, and state tax-sharing formulas affecting every Ohio city.

Mayor Don Plusquellic previously announced: a Voluntary Separation Plan---approved by Akron City Council and the city’s five labor bargaining units---which includes a cash retirement incentive; a Voluntary Furlough Plan, which  allows City employees the opportunity to take unpaid time off work while retaining benefits; a Mandatory Furlough Plan, which has been submitted to the unions - similar to plans already implemented in other Ohio cities, and a series of cutbacks in expenses - including outside travel and training, cancellation of the city-sponsored German Christmas Market, elimination of one leaf-pickup day, a freeze on discretionary employee benefits, and other austerity measures.