279 city employees axed Last day this Friday; more layoffs considered by Ricardo Kaulessar Reporter Staff Writer
City Hall is going ahead with plans to lay off approximately 279 seasonal and provisional employees by the end of this month, officials said.
The city’s $507 million budget contains a $42 million deficit. Property taxes rose to 25 per cent this quarter.
City spokesperson Jennifer Morrill said that 242 seasonal, 35 provisional, and two mayoral aides will be terminated from their positions this Friday, Feb. 26. Morrill said the bulk of the layoffs will be employees of the city’s Recreation Department.
Layoff notices started going out on Tuesday.
According to Morrill, the city anticipates a savings of only $1.3 million from the layoffs for the remainder of this fiscal year, which ends June 30. But there could be a savings for the next fiscal year of $4.3 million. _____________
“During these difficult economic times, it is critical that we streamline government and reduce spending.” – Jennifer Morrill ________
Provisional employees are not permanent and have to work a certain period of time before achieving permanent status. Seasonal employees are those individuals who are retained – usually full-time – on a year-to-year basis, with low wages and no benefits.
“During these difficult economic times, it is critical that we streamline government and reduce spending,” Morrill said. “It’s unfortunate, but decisions like these are being made at all levels of government across our state and the nation, and this is just one of many cost-cutting measures the city will be implementing.”
Morrill continued, “All of these employees, whether seasonal or provisional, have provided a great service to the city and its residents.”
