City slashes school budget by $4.2 million

NEW LONDON, Conn. (AP) - A Connecticut city council has voted to cut $4.2 million from its school budget, citing uncertainty that surrounds the state budget.

The New London City Council made the decision Monday in a 5-1 vote. WFSB-TV reports the vote was influenced by a recommendation from the city's finance committee, as they expect a large reduction in state aid.

Council President Pro Tempore Don Venditto tells WVIT-TV the city wanted to "position ourselves fiscally as a worse-case scenario."

School officials warn the cuts will result in layoffs and reduced services offered to students.

Councilors estimate some of the money will be returned once the state budget is passed. New London officials are also proposing about $8 million in cuts from the general city budget.