There could be a big turnout at a city council meeting on the South Coast Wednesday night, because the financially troubled city is facing a more than $9 million budget shortfall. Oxnard is looking at laying off dozens of employees, closing its art museum, and cutting other cultural programs. The proposed moves include trying to cut overtime for police officers and firefighters.
City Manager Alex Nguyen says the city has put off dealing with the financial shortfall for years, making minor cuts and taking money from reserves. He says the city is facing a seven million dollar gap, plus another $2.2 million dollar bill for benefits for some past city employees which were mishandled.
But, the plan is drawing protests from some in the community as being too severe.
The City Council is set to look at the proposed budget when it meets Wednesday night.
