Chicago Park District

Facing a $24 million deficit in its operating budget, the Chicago Park District is looking to eliminate up to 300 positions, sources say. The Park District Supt. confirmed he has been talking to union leaders about buyouts in an attempt to head off layoffs. The district's financial woes come on the heels of a similar move by the City of Chicago, which is facing a $420 million budget shortfall and is reportedly considering 1,000 layoffs. He blamed higher energy prices and increased healthcare costs for the shortfall in the $411 million budget for 2009. The district has about 3,000 employees. About 100 positions are vacant and won't be filled, he said. The severance package would be similar to the city's offer, he said, giving employees severance based on years of service. An employee with less than two years of service might receive $12,000 to quit; an employee with 15 years or more might receive $20,000 under the city plan.