MOUNT VERNON — Mt. Vernon City employees along with the unions representing many of them were officially notified this morning of impending layoffs and furloughs.

City officials say there are seven labor positions within Parks and Recreation and the Public Works Department that have received layoff notices. Furloughs are also being proposed and will affect every city department.

The furloughs will be negotiated with the respective unions, who could reject them. According to the City, the seven layoffs will happen regardless of the response to the furlough proposals, but if the furloughs are not approved, additional layoffs could happen.

The City says the layoffs and furloughs are a result of a significant downturn in the 2015-16 budget.