With a sizeable debt of nearly $11 million, the City of Santa Barbara is preparing to potentially make broad budget cuts.

The Santa Barbara City Council is expected to take up the issue of the budget in the coming weeks. There have been several cost-cutting proposals made, but it appears the city will be forced to layoff around 50 employees to realign their budget with the current economic situation.

Currently, the primary budget proposal before the council calls for an estimated 52 layoffs and cuts in every department – including the fire and police departments.

Potentially adding to city’s budget woes, the Jesusita Fire has grown increasingly destructive, and hundreds of fire fighters are currently fighting the blaze. While much of the cost will fall on the county and state, some will inevitably fall upon the city.

Also being discussed are considerable cuts to the city library and the public recreation and parks departments.