Franklin County OKs nonunion workers furlough plan

Dalina Castellanos, Herald staff writer

PASCO -- Franklin County commissioners approved a one-day-a-month furlough for nonunion employees Monday as a step toward reducing a forecast $680,000 budget deficit.

The county's five unions faced a 5 percent pay cut in May but later were asked to pull alternative ideas together.

County Administrator Fred Bowen has been negotiating different alternatives -- including furloughs -- ever since.

Yesenia Torres, president of the courthouse union, said the 52 members have been open to suggestions.

"We're willing to step up and say we're helping," she said, but only three of the unions have volunteered to accept the changes.

"I wanted all of us to stand together," she said.

The split decision prevented commissioners from taking any formal action on union employees at Monday's meeting.

Commissioners said a resolution should be agreed on by Wednesday because they are hoping to implement changes by July 1, but it may not be enough to repair the budget shortfall.

"We do not believe that we can overcome the budget shortfall with these furlough measures alone, even if everyone participates," said Commissioner Brad Peck.

"It is very helpful and appreciated, but unless the financial picture improves significantly and soon, we will have to find additional ways to balance the budget."

Bowen said the county budget would need to be revisited.

"Furloughs will not address all the budget issues," he said. "We will need to reopen the budget to see where other cuts can be made."

Though the "criteria is undecided," Commission Chairman Rick Miller said all departments would be considered for possible cuts.

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Tuesday, Jun. 16, 2009

Franklin County OKs nonunion workers furlough plan

Dalina Castellanos, Herald staff writer