City To Layoff 60 Employees

[jay]

A new position created recently is the person in charge of the JEDD program.  I'm not sure if there are other staff membes for this program.

[Towntalk]

One reason comes to mind ... costs of gas and diesel fuel ... another reason ... health care costs (higher insurance rates). The city is not immune to these escalating costs, and just look at how many cars and trucks the city has. Even private companies are feeling the pinch so far as fuel costs are concerned, and still another ... natural gas and electric rate hikes surrounding city owned buildings. All these costs have to come out of the general fund.

Face it folks, the city is going to have to look at more than 60 before it's all over, and remember, with the layoffs the city will still have to come up with money to pay unemployment. There is no sure fire easy fix to the dilemma the city finds itself in.

[Maggy]

Jay,

Could it be in part due to recent overhiring?

In 2006 and 2007 new hires increased the city payroll by over 2.2 million dollars. This does not include any benefit costs.

Question is, will the most recent hires be the first laid off?

I also wonder why the city's most recent State Audit (2006) seems to be a little late this year.

[ytowner]

Don't have enough money obviously.

[jay]

It is being reported that the City of Youngstown will have a 4.5 million dollar shortfall by 2009.   Sixty employees are facing layoffs.

What is the primary cause of this problem?
Have expenses increased?
Have tax revenues fallen off?