Village to Lay Off 27 Workers

Following approval from state civil service officials, the village announced 27 layoffs last Thursday.

According to a statement from Village Manger Dr. Kenneth Gabbert, Ridgewood will layoff 24 full-time and three part-time staff members. Gabbert also estimated that an additional eight employees will retire and said three other staff members ceased employment for other reasons.

Gabbert also announced last week that the village reached contract agreements with three village unions. Although terms were not disclosed, the village enacted agreements with the Supervisors Union (United Service Workers) and both FMBA and Fire Superiors Unions, extending contracts to 2012, 2014 and 2014 respectively.

As established in the spring budget report, the village budget will increase municipal taxes 5.16 percent, or a total of $3,588 per average residence (valued at an estimated $800,000), $182 over 2009. The total 2010 municipal expenditures are cut by $802,039, which is a 1.9 percent reduction from the 2009 level, Gabbert said.

The announcement comes on the heels of both municipal and school budget cuts statewide. In Ridgewood, both entities had to combat increased health insurance and pension rates combined with decreased state aid.

The village's $42.3 million budget exhibits a nearly $210,000 decrease to salaries and wages, while also having health insurance ($435,000) and pension ($695,000) increases. The village also cut capital improvement $857,000 (69.9 percent decrease) with a $572,0000 decrease in state revenue.

Village Council May 17 cut the school budget an additional $100,000 after voters rejected it April 20. The final taxpayer allotment amounted to $79,728,606 after the reduction.

According to Gabbert, the village will offer retiring and laid off staff support services. Those options will include a job assistance workshop, Department of Labor information session, employee assistance program and local employment resources. Services will be offered directly to any staff desiring the assistance, he said.

The village gave official notice to all affected staff May 21, and will begin implementing plans July 14. The amendments to the 2010 Village Budget will be introduced tomorrow with a public hearing and adoption June 9.

A department-by-department layoff breakdown was not immediately available, Gabbert said. 

Compiled by Sam Fran Scavuzzo