I agree with the sentiment, but the target is much too small. Don’t start with the salaries. That’s the last car on the train.
Start with the programs and activities. At least 40% of the people employed by the average city are in make-work or jobs or programs that are not core functions for a US city. Anything that is not physical infrastructure or health and safety related should be eliminated.
My guess, from experience with the federal government, is that payrolls could be cut 50-60%, and essential functions could still be done.
I am for doing both to useless government parasites, fire at least half of them and then cut the salaries of the remainders.