WICHITA, Kansas -- The city of Wichita is facing an $8 million budget deficit.
But before the budget becomes final officials are asking the public how they feel about proposed cuts.
Wednesday night, they got an earful.
Residents voiced their concerns about increased alarm fees, and changes to the fire department.
But most people were upset with the city's plan to outsource park maintenance duties and eliminate 66.5 positions.
The current budget proposal calls for outsourcing the mowing of parks, a plan that could save over $1 million.
However the idea of eliminating that many jobs did not go over well with many at Wednesday night’s meeting.
"With 10,000 aircraft workers on the street the last thing in the world we need to do is dump more people on the street and I’m tired frankly of the park maintenance people getting picked on," said one resident.
Those opposed to the plan, say the savings to city coffers would only be offset by a greater need for social services for the laid off workers.
Even state representatives showed up to voice their displeasure.
“I believe that cutting those park maintenance jobs would give you the reverse effect,” said Rep. Phil Hermanson. “I'm in opposition to them."
Park department employees argue city residents will notice a difference.
"We work for everybody who comes to our park and that's who we work for and I don't think you're going to get that kind of service or the dedication a lot of these people give you from a contractor," said one Park's department employee.
But city manager Robert Layton says he believes some of those lost positions will be offset.
Still if anyone has a better idea he's willing to listen.
"We are in difficult times we have to do things differently and I am more than willing to explore other alternatives that will help us balance our budget."
The budget won't become final until August 11th.
