DEEP CUTS TO CITY SERVICES are in our future, a somber Ventura City Manager Rick Cole told the City Council on Monday night. A worsening economy bringing with it a drop in city revenues will necessitate a restructuring of how the city is run.

"These will be the most difficult and painful choices that have been faced by at least six of the seven of you in your service on the City Council," Cole said. "The impact on services, the impact on individual employees will be significant, severe and controversial. ..."

"You will have to look the public in the eye and say 'I'm sorry, ma'am, we don't do that any more.' "

Cole estimated that 20-30 jobs would be gone from city government by next year. Some might be handled through retirements and resignations, he said, but it is not possible to make up all the difference through attrition alone.

Cole's words followed a presentation from Chief Financial Officer Jay Panzica which showed a $4 million revenue shortfall for the current 2008-09 fiscal year. The gap could grow to be as much as $8 million by next year. This comes on the back of a $4.3 million cut to this fiscal year's budget and a $3 million midyear cut a year ago.

Lower sales tax revenues coupled with an expected loss of vehicle license fee revenues from the state and other factors helped contribute to the misery. Other cities around the country are experiencing similar difficulties. The City of Los Angeles, for instance, is facing a deficit of $110 million.

City staff will recommend a restructuring plan which should come to the council in March. The plan will be part of a new multi-year budget system.

"We need to do fewer things and do them better," Panzica said.