City cuts 22 positions, lays off 7 people after review

With the elimination of 22 management positions at city hall, the City of Regina is poised to save $3 million next year.

That stems from a review started by the city in September. City manager Chris Holden, who was part of that review, said he wanted the city machinery to become more efficient but also more customer-focused.

“Often municipalities, city halls, can be large bureaucracies. We wanted to say it’s important how we provide services to the citizens, and we need to structure ourselves so that we can more effectively make that experience or interaction with the city positive,” said Holden.

Holden explained many jobs were moved or responsibilities changed; 65 positions were affected altogether.

After the 22 positions were eliminated, seven people were laid off.

“When we have to part ways with someone, we try to be as sensitive and respectful to that situation as possible,” said Holden.

The rest of the eliminations were either positions that weren’t filled, term positions that will end either this year or next year which won’t be renewed, or people nearing retirement who were given working notice.

Holden said the changes will save about $3 million for the city next year.

“That’s something that council will be able to consider as we prepare our 2020 budget as to how they want to invest that — whether it’s a reduction to the mill rate, or whether it’s an investment in programs and services or an investment in infrastructure,” Holden said.

Holden said the cost of making the changes in 2019 will be about $750,000.