As part of the city’s approach to resolving its $30 million shortfall in fiscal year 2021, the majority of City of Long Beach employees will be furloughed for 26 days from October 2020 through September 2021—and that will impact public services from libraries to parks.
City officials released on Wednesday a list of specific services that will be impacted by the furloughs, which are expected to save $11 million in the city’s general fund.
Emergency public response such as police, fire, animal care, and public works and utility emergency response will remain unaffected by furloughs.
The city following facilities and services will be closed or unavailable on Friday, Oct. 2, and every other Friday thereafter until the furlough period ends on Sept. 30, 2021:
- City Hall
- Billie Jean King Main Library, all branch libraries, including pickup services and library offices (digital resources available 24/7)
- Health Department offices
- Energy Resources offices
- Water Department offices
- Park administration offices
- Park offices and community park facilities except for October 30 when operating as a County Voting Center
- Long Beach Airport Administrative Offices
- Fire Department administrative office, fire prevention operations
- Marine Safety offices
- Housing Authority
- Building and Safety Services, including inspections and permits
- Citizen Police Complaint Commission
- Special Events and Filming
- Neighborhood Resource Center
- COVID-19 Joint Information Center (562-570-NEWS)
- Gas, Water and Refuse call centers
- COVID-19 Business Hotline (562-570-INFO)
- Towing and lien sales (Vehicles and property are available for release outside of the hours listed above for an additional fee. More information can be found online.)
The following facilities and services will remain open during regular business hours, and won’t be affected:
- City-run COVID-19 test sites and the Rapid Assessment Clinic
- The COVID-19 information line for residents (562-570-INFO)
- Fire stations
- Main Police Station front desk
- All city parks and trails
- El Dorado Nature Center Museum—currently closed due to the Safer at Home Order
- Community park facilities (for after school programs and senior meals only)
- Belmont Plaza Pool
- Indoor swimming pools (King and Silverado parks)—currently closed due to the Safer at Home order
- Lifeguard stations
- Animal Care Services
- Long Beach Airport
- Multi-Service Center for people experiencing homelessness
- Marina offices (Alamitos Bay Marina, Shoreline Marina)
- The WorkPlace, Youth Opportunity Center & Pacific Gateway administrative office
- Refuse and recycling collection
- Graffiti hotline (562-570-2773)
- Street sweeping
- Parking enforcement
- Clean team (562-570-2850) and street maintenance
- City Prosecutor’s office
- COVID-19 Venue Task Force & Code Enforcement health and life safety inspections (562-570-2633)
- Energy Resources field work
- Gas Services Dispatch (562-570-2410) open 24/7 for emergency calls
- Water/Sewer Dispatch (562-570-2390) open 24/7 for emergency calls
- Public safety services will continue to be available every day of the year.
The public is encouraged to continue to use city resources that are available online at www.longbeach.gov during furlough days. City Hall closed public access on March 18 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will remain closed until further notice. However, city services are available by phone or online during regular business hours.