It started as a mere $400,000 budget deficit in El Monte.

Then it ballooned to $4 million. But after a series of cuts, the city was able to bring that number down to $1 million.

Now, that deficit has skyrocketed again, because of a $2 million dip in sales-tax revenues. Reporter Rebecca Kimitch chronicles the financial troubles in a story in today’s paper.

According to Kimitch, the city now needs to “shave an additional $3 million in costs” from its already cash-strapped buget. El Monte Police Officers Association President Brian Glick said the city plans on laying off 14 to 17 officers.

Other workers might get caugt up in the storm, too.