Layoffs still on table in Balto. Co. amid buyout talk
Even as the Baltimore County Council weighs an employee buyout plan that could chop millions from next year's budget, local officials said they are not ruling out layoffs or furloughs.
Council members discussed the early retirement proposal at a Tuesday meeting, where administration officials told them it would save about $14 million a year. County Executive Kamenetz proposed the buyouts --- which about 1,100 general government employees qualify for -- last month.
The plan is intended to cut about 200 jobs. Depending on how many people take the offer, “we are not in a position of taking layoffs and furloughs off the table,” Kamenetz's chief of staff Don Mohler told The Sun after the meeting.
Mohler said the administration can’t predict future funding cuts from the state and federal levels, but added that if the county can attract 200 employees for the incentive program, it would be in a better position to avoid furloughs and layoffs.
Eligible employees will be able to sign up for the buyouts between Oct. 31 and Dec. 31.
Council members are set to vote on the retirement legislation Oct. 17.
Not everyone who wants to sign up for early retirement will be able to do so.
Comments
Since Kevin Kammenetz announced at the Catonsville Chamber meeting last night he wants more control of the schools, he might begin with ensuring Baltimore County students have as much instruction as all other districts. Add a half an hour to the school day in order to make the school day competitive in the length of the school day with all other Maryland school districts. At this time, no teacher was furloughed or layed-off, so let's provide equity across the county employees. Put our children in a lengthier school day.
Posted by: pablo | October 12, 2011 5:42 PM