City hall furloughs, budget cuts planned

GAINESVILLE - Hall County did it a year ago... now the City of Gainesville is moving to unpaid, mandated furlough days.

Full-time, "non-critical shift employees" will be required to take one day off without pay each month - through next June. The first will be Wednesday, November 25, the day before Thanksgiving.

In making the announcement, City Manager Kip Padgett “We are all continuing to struggle with the economic downturn that some say is more severe and has lasted longer than the Great Depression. The City of Gainesville has been able to weather this event better than most governments due to the extraordinary efforts of our employees as they continue to be good stewards of the city’s money. They have already made personal sacrifices through elimination of merit increases and longevity pay. Unfortunately, more cuts are necessary.

Padgett said although the city has "a diverse revenue stream...the economy is affecting all areas of our revenue. People throughout the state and our community are being more conservative with their spending and this directly affects all of our revenue streams, which means we have to look at ways to further cut expenses, Padgett said.”

The City Council has also agreed to take a reduction in pay equal to an eight hour day each month.

The second of the furlough days this year will be Wednesday, December 23.

City offices will be closed on the furlough days but critical positions in Fire, Police, and Public Utilities will also be addressed to achieve the eight hour reduction each month. Each department will also be required to make additional cuts, eliminating five percent of their operating budget and reducing part-time salaries. Details are being finalized for the months of January through June.