Cranston eliminates 21 city government positions in ‘cost-cutting initiatives’

In total, this will save the city $1.5 million savings in salaries and related benefits.

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — Twenty one Cranston city positions have been eliminated as part of a cost-cutting initiative to reduce the size of the city’s government.

In total, this will save the city $1.5 million savings in salaries and related benefits. City officials say this is needed after the pandemic slowed overall growth.

Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins made this announcement Friday, saying that nine employees would be notified of termination beginning July 15, and that there would be seven retirements and five voluntary resignations.

A spokesperson for the city, Anthony Moretti, says this was not a shock– and was the result of ongoing discussions with the city and four labor unions representing the employees.

“This came up when the mayor proposed the budget in April to the city council,” Moretti says.

Moretti adds those who voluntarily resigned and who chose to retire were given a “reasonable or fair package”.

Hopkins noted there will be eliminations of personnel in the emergency services departments of fire and police. It was not specified by the mayor’s administration what positions are being eliminated.

“I know this process has been difficult for our employees and their families,” Hopkins said in a release. “I thank them for their understanding as we work our way through various contractual and budgetary decisions.”

Officials say they are looking ahead to the opening of various different establishments, including Topgolf, next year.