NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- Departments that will suffer the effects of a workforce reduction met with the mayor Friday for a briefing in preparation for the meetings with employees who will be laid off.

Bonnie Posick has put in 20 years with the city. Len Aronow has worked for the city for 24 years. Both have joined the ranks of the 32 other employees the city has had to let go as a result of budget cuts.

"We’re all trying to stomach this, to understand what's going on here," said Aronow.

Mayor John DeStefano Jr. said Tuesday the city had to cut $6 million from its budget. The city has been able to maintain a balanced budget through cost-saving measures that include a workforce reduction, he said.

He stressed that a deteriorating national economy, projected deficit by the state government and the collapse of national financial institutions are indicators that will all impact state and local budgets this year and in years to come.

DeStefano said the decision to reduce staff numbers was made to maintain high-quality services to residents without burdening them with tax increases.

The notification process began at 10 a.m. Friday when the first group of employees was called in to discuss their rights, separation package options and next steps. The second group of employees participated in a similar meeting at 11 a.m.

The state Department of Labor's Rapid Response Team, along with representatives of the Employee Assistance Program, were on hand to guide employees through the next step of their separation process and offer any necessary assistance and support.

"We're doing the best we can in these difficult times,” said Alderwoman Erin Sturgis Pascale. “Our decisions must be driven by the prioritized needs of our residents while maintaining a balanced budget and ensuring a bright future for our city."

Through the workforce reduction, the Board of Education will lose six employees, the Department of Public Works will lost eight employees, the Finance Department will lose three employees, the Parks Department will lost six employees, and the fire and police departments will each lose two employees. Several other offices will lose one employee each.

The reductions will save the city $900,000, DeStefano said. As of Friday, 24 employees on the city side will be offered separation packages.

"We're at a point in this uncertain national and even global economy where we have to prioritize what we need over what we desire," said DeStefano. "Working together with patience and understanding, we'll get through this and balance this year's budget. That said, I have asked the city's budget director to begin looking at further deductions in city spending. I expect next year's budget to be even more challenging, and I think it prudent to get to work to get to work now on that effort.”