Four Atlanta City Council members complained today that Mayor Shirley Franklin and her staff are not talking to them about planned employee layoffs.

Union leaders and draft proposals floating around City Hall suggest more than 500 city workers, nearly 10 percent of Atlanta's general fund work force, will lose their jobs. The layoffs, union leaders say, could begin as soon as Thursday.

Mayor Shirley Franklin has said a "reduction in staff" is likely to make up for a projected $140 million shortfall, but has declined to discuss details. Franklin is scheduled to release her proposed budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 to council members Thursday.

"We've yet to be consulted on the impact of the budget," Councilman Ivory Lee Young told reporters at a midday news conference at City Hall. "We take great exception that there is no meaningful interface with the members of the governing body."

About 60 city employees listened and applauded as council members said they were concerned about the possible impact of layoffs on city services.

"Who's going to clean the sewers?...Who's going to answer the phones?," asked Young, flanked by council members C.T. Martin, Felicia Moore and Joyce Sheperd.

Moore said she recently asked Franklin's staff for information about the budget. Moore said she did not get a response.

"All I received is attitude and arrogance," said Moore.

Moore said she asked the law department to investigate whether the city can lay off workers without City Council approval.