The City of Dallas announced that thousands of its 13,000 workers will be furloughed on July 10 to help address a budget deficit exceeding $30 million. This initial day is part of a series of mandatory unpaid leave days scheduled for the fall.
In addition to the July 10 furlough, city employees will be required to take unpaid leave on September 4 and September 28. City officials stated that these measures are necessary to manage growing financial pressures and ensure the city remains financially balanced.
The furlough policy includes specific exemptions and additional requirements for certain staff members. Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and 911 dispatchers are exempt from the mandatory furlough days. Meanwhile, non-uniform executives at or above the assistant director level within the General Fund and Internal Service Fund must take two additional floating furlough days before September 16.
During the furlough days, several city facilities and services will be closed. These closures include City Hall, Code Compliance offices, the Dallas Water Utilities Lobby at City Hall, Dallas Public Libraries, Parks & Cultural Administration offices, and various Cultural Centers.
Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert described the furloughs as a necessary step to reduce expenses while protecting jobs and employee health benefits. She noted that while furloughs are not the preferred solution, they allow the city to continue delivering services to residents amid current financial challenges.
