UNION GAP, Wash. -- Using words like "ridiculous" and "irresponsible," more than 50 people attended Monday's City Council meeting to question why four city employees may soon lose their jobs.

"I think the choices you are making are not responsible," said Chris Martinez, who lost his own position with the police force last August. "What you are saying to any future employee is seniority doesn't matter."

The council ultimately chose to table a proposal that would cut funding for a legal secretary, a fire department secretary, a police chief administrative assistant and a community service officer, who enforces codes, transports prisoners and provides courtroom security.

The reductions are in next year's preliminary budget but are also being considered to save money this year.

Last week, city officials said revenue was falling short by about 9 percent across the board, and that the projected year-end balance would be about $121,000.

However, now they're estimating a year-end balance of $50,000 with revenue dropping by 10.6 percent.

The proposed job cuts would save the city about $270,000 next year. Cost savings for this year were not discussed.

The total operating budget for 2010 is roughly $5.7 million, about $1 million less than this year.

Mayor Jim Lemon said he's trying to find revenue sources to keep people employed, but there's only so much he can do. His preference is keeping fire and police positions but added the final choice rests with the council.

Many people in the audience expressed frustration with the mayor and the council, saying layoffs should be based on seniority. The four people who are in danger of losing their jobs have worked for the city anywhere from two to nearly 30 years. The city has a population of about 5,700 and employs about 62 people.

"You need to start at the bottom when you lay people off," said Pete Williams, a Yakima resident who grew up in Union Gap. "To go right to public safety is ridiculous. Figure out a different way to do this."

Jason Hatfield, the city's community service officer, said he wants to know who'll do his job if he's let go. He theorized that the city will end up paying in overtime to other police officers what he's now earning.

He also said he didn't appreciate learning about the potential job elimination by reading it in the Yakima Herald-Republic. To which, Lemon responded, "I don't have the authority to talk to you about your job. You are in a union."

The council is expected to get more information and discuss it in an executive session later this month.

Meanwhile, the council unanimously voted to deplete all funding in two sources -- the crime assessment and prevention fund and the building fund -- to pay an unexpected $200,000 increase in jail costs this year.

The increase was attributed to arresting an abundance of people because they didn't attend their court hearings.

* Erin Snelgrove can be reached at 509-577-7684 or esnelgrove@yakimaherald.com.