The City of Issaquah, stricken by reduced sales and property tax revenue, announced today that it has been forced to lay off 10 city employees.

Due to revenue shortfalls, the City estimates it needs to make about $7 million in cuts for 2009 and 2010, according to a release issued by the city today, Thursday.

Ten city employees were notified today that their positions will soon be eliminated.

The city release said it is committed to assisting those affected by the layoffs through severance benefits, counseling and career transition training.

All City departments are experiencing a reduction in staffing this year, whether it is from the hiring freeze, voluntary separations or the recent layoffs.

In total, about 10 percent – or 27 positions – of the City’s total staff will be reduced.

For more, go to http://www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/News.asp?NewsID=1287