By Justin Schneider, Herald Bulletin Online Reporter/Manager
ANDERSON, Ind. — Madison County will lay off nine highway department workers to help narrow the department’s $740,000 budget shortfall.
During its regular meeting on Tuesday, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a two-part “action plan” that calls for the elimination of eight laborers and one stock room clerk.
“It’s a difficult decision and it’s all centered around money,” said board President Paul Wilson, D-South District. “We need to think about the long-term and short-term health of the highway department.”
The second part of the plan involves 20 days of unpaid shutdowns during the year for the highway department.
Wilson explained that the county approved a $3.6 million budget for the highway department during budget hearings in September 2009. Numbers from the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) released in mid-February, revealed the actual number to be around $2.9 million. Commissioners met with Highway Department administration, workers and the union representing those workers to find a way forward.
“It’s difficult, but I understand we have to move on,” said Commissioner Jeff Hardin, D-Middle District. “I know certain people have lost a lot of sleep over these issues.”
The commissioners say five of the laid-off workers could be re-hired in new positions. As of April 1, Wilson said, five truck driver positions will become available in the Highway Department. In the meantime, the department will set up training for employees to earn their commercial driver’s license (CDL) in order to become eligible for the openings or to ease their transition to another employer.
The plan also called for a reduction in the number of workdays to save money. Specifically, it established five shut-down days of March 26, 29, 30, 31 and April 1. It also calls for 15 other “rain days” to be taken by the end of the year.
“Combining those two things doesn’t get you to your $740,000,” said Commissioner John Richwine, R-North District, suggesting that more cuts to the department budget will be made by the end of the year.
Highway Department Superintendent Scott Harless said 36 employees will remain in the department after the vacant truck driver positions have been filled.
Wilson said the CDL training will serve the double purpose of re-training laid-off workers and making other highway department employees more versatile.
“When this is done, everyone at the Highway Department will have their CDL license,” he said. “In the summer, it’s road work and in the winter it’s driving a plow. This will allow us to sustain their employment year-round.”
A plan of action
On Tuesday, the Madison County Board of Commissioners approved a two-part ‘action plan’ to narrow a $740,000 shortfall in the Highway Department budget, including the elimination of nine workers. Under the plan:
-- The classifications of laborer and stock room clerk will be eliminated by May 22.
-- The Highway Department will set up training to help workers earn their commercial driver’s license (CDL) to become eligible for five truck driver positions that will be available by April 1.
-- The Highway Department will cut 20 work days during the year to save money.
— Source: Madison County Board of Commissioners
Contact Justin Schneider: 640-4809, justin.schneider@heraldbulletin.com
