BLAINE, WA – Leaner times have led the City of Blaine to lay off a handful of workers.

Mayor Mary Lou Steward says it was a difficult decision that was forced by financial struggles that won’t be quickly or easily solved.

She says the city budget is being buffeted by wage increases, inflation and the city’s marginal sales tax base.

Six workers are being let go while two vacant positions won’t be filled at this time, including one in the police department.

Steward says layoffs weren’t based on salary or longevity and were strictly made where some workers’ duties were overlapping.