Proposed layoffs down to four

New info on retirements helps clip back job cuts, By Jan Baker Vernon — Fighting to keep jobs, some 20 Vernon residents stepped up at Thursday’s Council meeting to suggest how to halt the proposed layoff of 10 Vernon Township employees. In a standing room only crowd, staffers slated for layoff and Vernon residents alike came forward to urge the council to find other ways to trim the budget. At the township council’s March 4 meeting, residents learned that in an effort to cut more than $1 million from the budget, 10 jobs were put on the chopping block. But at last Thursday’s meeting, that number was reduced to four: personnel director; principal benefits clerk; surveyor; director of planning and development. It turned out that after the initial announcement, the council’s budget planners learned that attrition can help the bottom line. Police officer David Hering is retiring, another officer has put in for a disability retirement and the Department of Public Works Supervisor Ed Struble is retiring. Unionized employees have been considering options to avoid job cuts, such as taking brief furloughs, according to Brian Palaia, Vernon’s assistant township manager. In a bind The subject of job cuts is a volatile one and at the March 11 meeting, several members of the DPW and police as well as their supporters said they worried about the effects of cuts to their departments on the community. David Kretzschmar, who works for the department of public works, gave the council his own calculations. If taxes were raised $5.53 per homeowner for every $200,000 of assessed value, all the jobs could be saved, he offered. Pennie Roland, whose job as personnel director was on the list of projected layoffs, queried the council ironically: “How many jobs can you cut before no one is left here except you guys?” This passion wasn’t lost on the council members. Councilman Richard Carson called the work of deciding on layoffs “a heart-wrenching thought.” Meanwhile, as the council wrestles with the issues, Carson pointed out that the proposals under consideration are “just a plan.” Borough Attorney John Ursin said the proposal doesn’t have to be followed, if other means of saving money are found. Councilmember Harry Shortway commended Acting Township Manager Robin Kline and others and said of Kline, “She is doing everything she can to save these jobs. There are no quick fixes.” Council is expected ultimately to vote on a layoff plan May 4.

We will work hard because this is our family and this is our town.” Vernon Council member Valerie Seufert commenting on the proposed layoffs of several township employees as the town council tries to build its budget