KENNEBUNK -- Two part-time town employees will lose their jobs because of a revenue shortfall in the municipal budget.

The jobs of a part-time floating secretary and a part-time position in the clerk's office will end Dec. 31, according to Town Manager Barry Tibbetts. The employees were notified Wednesday.

A vacancy for a patrol officer in the police department will remain unfilled, Tibbetts said.

The town is facing a shortfall of $250,000, or about 2.5 percent of the total annual municipal budget for the fiscal year ending June 30. The shortfall is due to decreases in revenue from interest income, building permit fees and excise taxes.

Tibbetts has also instituted a hiring freeze and is requiring pre-approval for any purchases over $500, capital purchases and educational training.

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