By Liz Oakes
The Cincinnati Enquirer

MOUNT HEALTHY - Two weeks after a summer day camp and July Fourth fireworks were cut from this year's tight city budget, Mount Healthy laid off two people Wednesday and is considering raising speeding fines and other fees.

The layoffs of two part-time public works employees will save the city about $20,000 this year, said Safety Service Director Jim Koshmider.

The city plans a special meeting at 7 p.m. today to discuss the budget, which council is expected to vote on March 16.

"I'm not happy about the fact that people have to get laid off ... but there's no question the city's in some crossroads right now, and if certain things are not done rather quickly, it could go from bad to worse," said Councilman Jason Gourley.

Mount Healthy also is considering closing its pool on Mondays and Tuesdays and cutting hours. .

"There are some basic things in the city of Mount Healthy that people need before a swimming pool. ... I'd rather see my firehouse staffed than the pool open seven days a week, if that's what it takes," Gourley said.

Other proposals include refinancing city loans, having the fire department charge for heating and cooling inspections at businesses, and charging for ambulance services, Koshmider said. By raising fines for moving traffic violations, revenue could increase by at least $33,000 annually, he said.

E-mail loakes@enquirer.com