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NEWARK — A judge has ruled layoffs of police officers and firefighters in Orange, N.J., can proceed.
State Superior Court Judge Patricia Costello had delayed ruling last week. She ruled Tuesday the layoffs of about 50 workers can go ahead in the city of about 33,000 residents just northwest of Newark.
The ruling comes after lengthy negotiations failed to reach a resolution on Monday.
Attorneys for city unions say they may appeal.
Orange Mayor Eldridge Hawkins Jr. says the layoffs are needed to help close an estimated $6 million budget gap.
He says 10 police officers face layoffs and 16 police supervisors face demotion. The police department has about 100 members.
Twelve firefighters face layoff or demotion. Additional cuts would be spread around other city departments.
