|
Personnel Cutbacks Underway in Westmoreland County Government -- Layoffs,
Vacancy Eliminations, and Restructuring to Save $2 Million Annually
Posted 01-16-2004
In an effort to reduce costs, the Westmoreland County Board of Commissioners today
announced the details of personnel cutbacks in county government. Layoffs, combined with
the elimination of vacant positions and other moves, is expected to save county taxpayers
$2 million annually.
"This is the unfortunate reality of
budgeting in the current financial climate," said Commissioner Tom Balya. "For
years, we have been able to stave off measures like this through robust reserves. We no
longer have the capability to do that. I am confident that despite these layoffs, as well
as future cuts, the county will still be able to offer the high level of service that
residents have come to expect and deserve. Our mission is to ensure that taxpayers are
getting the best value."
The layoffs impact every county office
under the direct purview of the Board of Commissioners, as well as the court system and
row offices. Additional layoffs, both management and union staff, are expected in the
coming weeks.
"The layoffs, while difficult, are
absolutely necessary," said Commissioner Tom Ceraso. "But, this is just the
first phase. Although we don't anticipate further layoffs in the offices directly under
the commissioners' control, we anticipate additional layoffs in the courts and row offices
before a final budget is passed. We've been working with those offices to bring them in
line with the budget, and will continue to target further personnel savings."
Payroll reduction initiatives include the
layoffs of 41 county employees, including both management and union staff, and 21 job
vacancies that were originally budgeted for but will not be filled.
A portion of the savings was realized by
restructuring certain departments, such as the Bureau of Parks and Recreation and the
County Park Police. Other moves include reducing salaries of the part-time solicitors in
the row offices and seasonal layoffs in the county parks. The balance of the payroll
savings was achieved by measures such as transferring salaries to outside funding sources
and reducing overtime.
Commissioners voted to reopen the 2004
budget at their January 8 public meeting and are currently examining ways to further
reduce costs and identify additional savings. Following a public comment period, the final
2004 county budget is scheduled to be adopted February 12.
For more information about Westmoreland
County, visit the county home page at www.co.westmoreland.pa.us. |
