The City of Erie has announced its first round of cost-saving measures as officials work to address ongoing budget challenges identified in the city’s recently released five-year financial outlook.
During a press conference Friday, city leaders outlined staffing reductions and other spending cuts aimed at improving the city’s financial position while maintaining services for residents.
The city will eliminate six positions, including three positions in the Mayor’s Office, two positions in the Public Works Department, and an Assistant Fire Chief position that became vacant through a planned retirement.
Officials estimate the reductions will save approximately $650,000 annually, with about $300,000 in savings expected during 2026.
“More than any number or budget line item, these decisions affect people, families, and our shared work as a city,” Mayor Daria S. Devlin said. “I want to be clear that these cuts were made out of necessity for our city’s collective future, but no line item or spreadsheet can fully reflect what these positions represent.”
Mayor Devlin said the decisions were made only after careful consideration and pledged continued transparency throughout the process.
In addition to the staffing changes, department heads were directed to identify immediate cost-saving opportunities within their budgets.
Those efforts have generated more than $500,000 in additional savings for the remainder of 2026 through reductions in professional services, adjustments to supply expenditures, and savings associated with the Erie Zoo’s transition to Erie Events.
City officials emphasized that all municipal services remain fully operational despite the reductions.
As part of broader efforts to improve efficiency and accountability, the city is also implementing a Direct-to-Department Resident Response Model.
Under the new approach, residents are encouraged to contact the appropriate city department directly whenever possible so concerns can be addressed by the team’s best equipped to respond.
Residents who are unsure which department to contact can call the City Hall Help Desk at (814) 870-1111 for assistance. The city has also made an updated contact directory and a new “Report a Concern” form available on its website.
The cost-cutting measures follow the release of a five-year financial outlook prepared by Public Financial Management (PFM). The consulting firm is expected to return next week to complete management audits of the city’s four largest departments, with final recommendations anticipated in August.
City officials say residents can expect additional updates as the administration continues its efforts to address long-term financial challenges and strengthen the city’s fiscal outlook.