Immediate Focus on Addressing $3 Million Increase in Operating Costs
During a press conference today, the City of Erie provided an update on its ongoing efforts to address current budget challenges, including the first round of cost‑saving measures. This follows the administration’s release of the City’s five‑year financial outlook prepared by Public Financial Management (PFM).
The city announced the elimination of six positions, including three in the Mayor’s Office, two in Public Works, and an Assistant Fire Chief position vacated through a planned retirement. These reductions will save approximately $650,000 annually, with about $300,000 realized this year.
“More than any number or budget line item, these decisions affect people, families, and our shared work as a city,” said Mayor Daria S. Devlin. “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.
“These decisions were not made quickly or lightly, and we will continue to be transparent, accountable, and respectful throughout every step of this process.”
In addition to these staffing changes, Mayor Devlin directed department heads to identify immediate cost-saving opportunities within their budgets. Those efforts have resulted in more than $500,000 in 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.
The mayor emphasized that city services remain fully operational and that transparency will continue throughout this process. As part of ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and strengthen accountability, the city is transitioning to a Direct-to-Department Resident Response Model. Residents should contact the appropriate department directly whenever possible, helping ensure concerns are received and addressed by the teams best equipped to resolve them.
Residents who are unsure which department to contact may call the City Hall Help Desk at 814-870-1111, where City Hall staff will assist in connecting them with the appropriate department. An updated contact directory and a new Report a Concern form is available on the City’s website at https://www.erie.pa.us/community/city_hall_help_desk.php.
PFM will return next week to complete management audits with the city’s four largest departments. Their final recommendations are expected by August.
Residents are encouraged to follow City communications for future updates, including the City of Erie’s official social media channels @CityofEriePA.
