Question of the Week: Should Laid-Off Workers Be Re-Hired?

Department heads that village budget crafters  re-hire workers laid off last year. Village officials have said in recent weeks that due to a leaner staff, and even with a budget gap of around $370,000, it may need to bring back some of the over 30 workers let go. The Engineering Department has requested at least one worker, as has Streets and Fleets, the Building Department, Solid Waste Control and the Village Clerk (from part-time to full-time).

There had been some frustration from residents on leaf pickup over the fall as well as a mediocre response in the minds of some on the village's effort against the first nasty blizzard of the winter. Department heads have also said village vehicles need fixing, along with a variety of other things.

So Ridgewood, if you were to re-hire village staff, who (if any) would you re-hire? What department needs the most help? Let us know in the comments!