With an unprecedented rise in unemployment claims and with sales and use taxes comprising two-thirds of the city’s general fund (operating) revenue, Mayor G.T. Bynum is implementing furloughs for all positions funded by the city’s general fund, with the exception of fire, police, 911 personnel, and utilities such as water and sewer operations and trash collection.

Furloughs will begin the week of May 3 and last through the week of December 26, 2020. Furlough days will be taken every Friday afternoon in half-day increments (four hours). The furloughs amount to a 10 percent weekly compensation reduction for the remainder of FY20 and the first half of FY21, which will help the city save approximately $4 million. Bynum and the Mayor’s Office staff will take 10 percent reductions in pay. Furloughs will be re-evaluated in December 2020. 

Based on financial projections from COVID-19 impacts, the general fund is projected to be $257 million next year, down from $269 million in the originally adopted FY20 budget. Bynum has already implemented a hiring and travel freeze for all employees and the City anticipates using fund balance and the Rainy Day Fund.

As possible, city facilities including City Hall and Tulsa Municipal Courts will be closed Fridays from 1-5 p.m., beginning on May 8.