As a result of budgetary cuts, city officials in Redlands, Calif., will eliminate several fire and police department management positions but also hire as many as 14 others, according to the Press-Enterprise. The 2008-09 budget is about $59.2 million, roughly $500,000 less than the city expects to gain in revenue.

"The economy is not what it used to be," City Manager N. Enrique Martinez said during a meeting quoted by the Press-Enterprise, calling it one of the reasons he proposed a general flattening of the city's management structure while still putting "boots on the ground."

Downsizing in the Fire Department's management ranks included eliminating a chief investigator and deputy chief. Instead of eliminating two other battalion chief positions, however, officials consolidatef them to oversee emergency medical service and disaster preparedness. Redlands Fire Chief Jim Drabinski was asked to slash about $680,000 from his budget.