Sharps said that level of layoffs – which could result in 200 staff losing their jobs – is contingent on maintaining services to the public.

“We’re over staffed and we’ve tasked the city manager to get that under control. And we’re all on the same page. But that overstaffing happened over the last six, seven years,” said Sharps.

Sharps explained the reasons for the job losses which preceded the Aug. 21, 2023 council meeting and interaction between city manager Ann Mitchell and the mayor resulting in the sanctions.

Specifically referencing the chief of staff position held by Adam Nelson who was hired in the fall of 2022, Sharps said council wasn’t getting results by the following spring.