MEMPHIS (AP) — About 125 Memphis city employees will be laid off today and most employees who keep their jobs will get a 4.6 percent pay cut, the city's human resources director said in a recent letter to employees.Director Quintin Robinson said employees who are laid off will continue to be paid through July 15.In addition, Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton has decided to end a one-time $5,000 death benefit to the spouses of current and retired city employees. The benefit was in addition to pension benefits that spouses receive."The decision to eliminate jobs, temporarily reduce wages and eliminate death benefits is a difficult one," said Robinson in his letter, which was obtained by The Commercial Appeal. "The mayor and his administration appreciate all you have done to assist in the mission to serve the citizens of Memphis and therefore deeply regret the current circumstances."Earlier this month, the city council adopted a new 2011-2012 budget for the fiscal year that starts today.