Monterey Park began deliberations Tuesday, July 6, on a $30 million city budget that was balanced with employee layoffs.

Shortly before, the city had eliminated 24 positions that resulted in the layoff of 19 city employees, raging from field maintenance persons to management staff. City offer early retirement packages that were accepted by some employees.

The layoffs occured by Friday, July 15.

Proposed city budget for 2010-11 fiscal year is expected to be about $30.5 million.

The council will continue the review of the budget at special hearings scheduled on July 26, 27 and 29. Last month, the council authorized expenditure of funds for city services beginning July 1 when the new fiscal year begins.

In the introduction, city staff said they were presenting a balanced budget that resulted from many cuts, including 24 positions in the city.

The city had to dip into reserves for more than $3.5 million to balance last year’s budget.They reported that the City reserves had dropped from $17 million to about $12 million because of the decline in the economy and city revenues as well as take away from the city by the government.