PORTSMOUTH – Firings and not filling empty positions seem to be the norm for companies during these tough economic times.  Now, the City of Portsmouth is following suit.

After enacting a hiring freeze, the budget ax has fallen on 32 employees; 28 open jobs will be eliminated.

The moves, recommended in a recent efficiency study, should save Portsmouth $3.5 million.

"It kind of takes your breath away. It's one thing to sit around a board table and say we need to be leaner and meaner, but when you put faces to it, it's much tougher," admitted Councilwoman Elizabeth Psimas, who talked about hearing the news Monday night.

The study, contracted to cost no more than $100,000, had a goal of achieving a balanced budget, according to an April report by 13News’ partners at the Virginian Pilot.

Most of the layoffs were assistant director positions in communications, marketing, tourism and parks and recreation.

Instead of each of those organizations having their own spokesperson, it will become a single, city-wide position.

The study also took into account answers from as many as 2,500 anonymous surveys from city employees at all levels.