Parks Tacoma, the city’s parks and recreation district, is dealing with a combination of less revenue than expected and more expenses, making for a shortfall of $8 million dollars. In response, the district cut some jobs last week.
The district laid off 14 staff members, and another 10 employees opted to take voluntary separation packages. The district also paused filling 25 vacant positions.
“We’re making difficult decisions to stabilize our current financial situation, and unfortunately, layoffs are a necessary step toward sustainable operations,” said Shon Sylvia, Parks Tacoma’s executive director, in an email. “It saddens us to say goodbye to valued colleagues who have been instrumental in helping Parks Tacoma serve the community, and we’re committed to continuing that important work…