CONWAY -- Monday, the City of Conway gave specific details about the positions impacted by the layoffs of 21 employees. 

Bill Graham with the City of Conway says the city isn't releasing the specific names or positions to protect those directly impacted. 

He did list the departments that were losing positions.

The cuts by department are as follows:

• Administration - 4 positions
• Planning - 1 position
• Finance - 1 position
• Building - 1 position
• Beautification (ground maintenance) - 1 position (vacant)
• Solid waste (trash collection) - 1 position
• Public utilities (water and sewer) - 10 positions (2 vacant)
• Storm water - 6 positions (1 vacant) 

In total, 21 people were dismissed and four vacant positions were closed. 243 people worked for the City of Conway before the cuts.

Graham says he doesn't expect the cuts to impact city services.

"We looked at what we considered to be nonessential positions to the city's providing services," he says.

Those who work for the city who avoided the cuts should expect a heavier workload, Graham says.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says state and local governments have eliminated over 400,000 jobs since August 2008.

In an interview with NewsChannel 15 last Friday, Graham says the city is still feeling the effect of the worst recession in decades, despite state and national unemployment rates decreases.

"There's a year's lag in revenues," in business fees and property taxes, he said, and the city has not seen enough of a rebound in the economy to make up for the loss of revenue over the past two years.

"We need to match up revenues and expenses."

He says the layoffs will save the city about $1.4 million, bringing the city closer to balancing its budget, while not dipping into reserve funds.

Conway's city council meets Monday at 5:30. Graham says they do not plan to discuss the layoffs, unless they are brought up in public comment.