Boston Staves Off Some Layoffs With Revised Budget

Officials in Boston have elected to boost revenue through an increase in permit fees and parking fines that will allow the city to save 42 school custodian jobs and give 200 more jobs to teens this summer, the Boston Globe reports.

Boston is expected to generate $1.6 million in additional revenue through the increase in fees and fines. The city’s $2.3 million spending plan is scheduled for a final vote from the City Council next week.

“This revised budget shows that with collaboration and a willingness to work together, there is always room for improvement,’’ Mayor Thomas M. Menino said in a statement. “Just as in the originally submitted budget, these revisions show a responsible recovery from one of the nation’s darkest economic periods while making sure we can provide for our kids and working families.’’

Even with the good news, Boston’s budget will require 208 layoffs this fiscal year, including 41 school custodians and 76 people at the Boston Public Library.