Peculiar Passes Furlough Resoloution
Posted By J.T. on July 29, 2009
The Peculiar Board of Alderman voted Tuesday to institute employee furloughs instead of cuts in hourly wages. The policy, which should save the city $161,000 (above the goal of 10%, or $157,000) is effective immediately.
Resolution 2009-39 - Adoption of Furlough Policy - To provide for a uniform policy for all City employees in the granting and taking of furloughs.
City Administrator Brad Ratliff gave a brief presentation on how the plan would work. Non-exempt employees would have to take 2 half days or 1 full day off each pay period (2 weeks). Exempt employees will have to take 6 weeks off over the next 14 months. According to the city employees in the audience, this was preferable to the original option of a 10% decrease in hourly wages. This policy will not affect the accrual of vacation/sick time.
“I’m thrilled the staff came up with a resolution. I know this is tough”, said Alderman Pat Roberts.
In response to a question about whether the employees will be notified before this takes effect, city attorney Reid F. Holbrook noted that city workers are “employees at will” and therefore no notice requirements are necessary.
This does not mean the city is done cutting expenses. “We’re going to be in a big defecit for the rest of the year” said Mayor Ernie Jungmeyer. The city is currently at about a 7% defecit and the Board will be looking at “drastic” cuts during the next budget. Jungmeyer went on to state “Every 3 months at budget time we review the hours and will certainly up the hours if possible.”
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