ALTON - The city will lose five firefighters and six police officers in continuing efforts to cut spending in the face of falling revenues.
 
The cuts are expected to save $800,000 through the remaining five months of the city's fiscal year. Earlier, the city laid off five City Hall and public works employees and several seasonal workers.
 
Dave Miles, the city's personnel director, said there would be four layoffs in the police department and two in the fire department. The other positions will not be filled after anticipated resignations and retirements.
 
The cuts reduce staffing of the two departments to the lowest levels in years. After the cuts, the fire department will have 54 firefighters, down from 70 in 2002. The police force will drop to 57 officers, compared to its peak strength of 78 in 1997.
 
Mayor Tom Hoechst said the city is seeking emergency federal stimulus funding that could reverse some of the police and fire cuts.
 
Alton's revenue, including sales taxes and the city's share of state income taxes, is down sharply this year.