Yesterday, we got a call from an upset resident — who refused to give his name — whose wife allegedly works for the city of El Monte. Apparently, she got wind that her position is among those on a “list” of people who could get fired.

So, I called El Monte City Manager Jim Mussenden to ask him if anyone was fired or notified yesterday that they would be getting fired — he preferred the word laid off — and he said no. But, he added, as the council looks at closing the city’s proposed budget deficit, layoffs are one option.

Councilwoman Pat Wallach confirmed that there is a list out there of positions that could be cut. But, she added, the list does not name any individuals.

“There was nobody specific named, just naming certain positions in departments that could possibly be cut,” Wallach said.

As rumors go around City Hall about possible layoffs, Mussenden said people should not get ahead of themselves in assuming things about the budget and possible cuts. The council will have a budget workshop in the coming weeks, and will likely approve the budget in the first week of July.