Layoffs In Romulus, Pontiac

ROMULUS (WWJ) - On a snowy Friday morning, there was a touch of pink in the city of Romulus.  Layoff notices went out to a handful of city workers -- the result of a growing budget deficit. 

Nine city parks will also close and Senior services are being reduced.  The cuts come after voters rejected a millage proposal last month to try to balance a $1.6 million budget deficit. 

Meantime, it's  the last day on the job for 25 employees with the city of  Pontiac.  Cuts were in the finance, human services and public works and utilities departments. 

The police department was also affected. Earlier this week, officers voted to hand over their work to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office as of next month.  Pontiac's emergency financial manager, Michael Stampfler, had proposed the move last year, saying said it would save the cash-strapped city $2 million annually.

Thursday, Pontiac's Police Chief, Val Gross, was fired.