Mass layoffs may be coming to the City of St. Cloud because the council voted down a controversial fire fee, which would have been used to build a new fire station, but also counteract the city’s multi-million dollar deficit.

“Without the assistance of the fire fee there will be positions that will have to be cut,” said St. Cloud Mayor Rebecca Borders.

After Thursday’s decision to get rid of the fire fee, the city now faces a $3 million deficit. Now they have the heavy burden of laying off about 100 people.

“Every department will be touched,” Borders explained.

Everyone from the city’s emergency responders to those who maintain the parks could be at risk of losing their jobs.

The deadline for the city to present a balanced budget to the state is fast approaching. Over the next few weeks the city will have to make a decision.

They will have to either lay off about 100 people or increase the millage rate. They have proposed increasing it to 5.7039 MILL, which would cost the average homeowner about $60 more.

“I hope we can come up with the number we need to pay our bills and keep as many people on the job as we can. That way we can maintain the level of service we provide to our residents.” Mayor Borders said.

Over the last year the city has grown as more parts of the county are annexed into the area. That has put more stress on the police and fire departments. Recently they explained both departments are in desperate need.

We were told if the chiefs prove they are in critical need of their staff members, they won’t be at risk of being laid off. Other departments like Parks and Recreation will not have that same opportunity.

This Thursday, the City Council will meet to discuss their overall budget, the deficit and the possible increase in the millage rate.