County Government trims jobs, expenses
November 2, 2008
St. Charles County
The St. Charles County Government is cutting nineteen jobs from the 2009 budget; there will be a decrease of at least 10 fleet assignments of county vehicles; and the 12 positions which are currently open will not be filled.
“This is a difficult step to take, but our fiscal situation makes it a necessity,” County Executive Steve Ehlmann said about the lay-offs, which will save taxpayers $1,067,000.
On Thursday, Oct. 30, the County announced the reduction in workforce. Seven of the nineteen jobs were eliminated that same day. The laid-off employees will get two weeks of severance pay and their health insurance will be paid through the end of the year.
Ehlmann said that no cuts in essential services to residents are planned and that public health and safety remain a priority.
The county is expecting a one percent decline in revenues for the general operating fund next year. Sixty-one percent of its operating budget comes from sales tax receipts and retail sales have been down at national and local levels.
Because fees for permits have declined, the budget is also affected by the construction and building slump.
Ehlmann’s executive staff met with several department heads and told them of the need to eliminate positions. Cuts were across the board and did not focus on any specific department.
“This is an attempt to eliminate positions to live within our means. It has nothing to do with job performance by those affected,” said Chuck Gross, Director of Administration.
Among those laid-off: department directors, division directors, clerical, maintenance and technical personnel.
Ehlmann said that many of the cuts are in departments where the workload has been affected by the downturn in the housing market or because of different spending priorities by the county government.
“This is an overall reorganization due to lack of funds,” Gross said.
A bill was approved at Monday’s County Council Meeting to eliminate the Registrar’s department and move its duties to the Finance Department.
Pending Council approval, the Construction Management Department will be eliminated. Also pending Council approval, the Division of Environmental Services will move under the direction of the Health and Environment Division of the Community Health Department.
“This is a fluid situation, and we will react accordingly to rein in expenses,” Gross said.
According to Gross, additional staff reductions could take place if revenue continues to spiral downward.
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