RSS | Print | Comments | Tell a Friend | Larger Text | Smaller Text | Bookmark and Share

Local News

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Layoffs hit 15 Findlay workers
Hancock Federal Credit Union
By JOY BROWN

STAFF WRITER

An impending quarter-percent Findlay income tax increase, approved by voters Nov. 3, did not prevent 15 city layoffs which took effect the weekend after the election.

Those let go included two full-time recreation department administrators, two clerical workers from engineering, and 11 employees from public works departments, city officials said Monday.

According to Service Director Bruce Hardy, the tax increase saved 18 firefighter jobs and kept Fire Station 4 open, but the city had to follow through on other planned cuts.

Officials had warned before the election that even with success at the polls, such cuts would likely occur. But they did not specify how many would be laid off or from which departments.

"I know this may be a little bit hard for the public to understand," Hardy said of the city's budget shortfall and the need to follow through with the layoffs.

"When the quarter-percent tax increase passed, we were thrilled. But we didn't ask for all that we would've liked to have asked for, which is fair," said Hardy. "Many individuals are living with smaller budgets and the city should be doing the same."

Hardy said instead of facing a $3.5 million budget shortfall for 2010, the tax passage means Findlay must operate with $700,000 less next year than it budgeted for this year.

"The important thing for the public to remember is that $700,000 has to come from somewhere," said Hardy.

"I see us as being able to still do what we normally do. It's just going to take us longer to do it," Hardy said.

Because of the layoffs, the biggest difference the public may notice will have to do with snow removal, according to Hardy. After a heavy snowfall, it could take three days instead of two to plow city streets, he said; 11 fewer workers under the public works umbrella means fewer people who are normally called in to help with such a job, he said.

Hardy said it's hard to tell how other departments will be affected. Paperwork will probably take longer to complete. Calls may take longer to return. The loss of clerical workers in engineering may also affect zoning work and the Neighborhood Enforcement and Abatement Team program.

Findlay won't begin receiving any additional money from the income tax increase until February, and even then, calling back laid off workers will be a long shot, Hardy said.

"We're waiting to see how well we can do, how many services we can provide at what level, before we can decide to call anybody back. We'll be evaluating what extra wait times the public has to endure. But we have not put out any date or even the expectation that they'll be called back," said Hardy.

If workers aren't recalled, it "will undoubtedly cover the $700,000 shortfall, if not more than that," said Hardy.

The tax increase will be collected for three years, and Hardy thinks the city must operate with the understanding that the tax increase will expire at the end of 2012.

"What that commands us to do is to carefully spend our money, and build up reserves one way or another. We don't want to end up counting on having that extra quarter-percent. I think most people think the city will come back and ask to renew it. That's not what we're planning for.

"We have to change the way we do business and have a smaller payroll," said Hardy.

The good news is "the possibility of us having to cut deeper is very much diminished since the (tax) passed," Hardy said.

Meanwhile, the city is haggling with the Civil Service Commission over "bumping rights" some laid off employees have because of seniority levels.

Hardy said the commission has "tentatively proposed five displacements, or bumps. But the city disagrees with the way they're interpreting the Ohio Revised Code and Ohio administrative code. Part of the problem is it's (law) not straightforward language. It was written to cover a number of different work scenarios. There's room for interpretation. (City Law Director) Dave Hackenberg has written them a brief contesting the way they've done their process.

"The commission is driving the bus," said Hardy, so whatever conclusion it reaches will most likely stand.

Hardy said he expects the commission to "rule fairly quickly" on the proposed bumping rights being contested. Until then, those who were laid off will remain so.

Findlay's annual budget hearing, which gives department heads the opportunity to outline how they will operate the following year with the money given them, will be held at 4 p.m. Dec. 14.

The recreation department, meanwhile, with two fewer employees, is still working toward a solution that could involve Riverside Park Pool operating under different management, since the city does not plan to take on that responsibility next year.

Hardy said officials are continuing to "negotiate" with some interested groups.

When the city debated whether to open the pool this year, Findlay Family YMCA and Findlay Area Swim Team were under consideration to take over operations.

"I have hopes that will come to fruition," Hardy said of finding an "outsourcing partner." But he admitted many details have to be sorted out before an agreement with an outside organization can take place.

"What happens if the (pool) filter system goes belly up? Who's going to pay for that? That would be a $125,000 bill the city does not have money in its budget for," said Hardy.

The pool's mechanical equipment and structures are aged; about a year ago, the city was discussing building a new pool in 2011.

Brown: 419-427-8496,

Send an e-mail to Joy Brown


Subscribe to The Courier.
Comment on This Story
NOTE: Comment moderation has been enabled. If you see a comment that violates our Electronic User Agreement, please e-mail webmaster@thecourier.com. Thank you. If you are having problems viewing this Web page, please contact our Internet Department to help us diagnose and correct the problem. We may contact you for more information. Thanks in advance.
Your e-mail address will not be displayed on this website or shared with anyone. It is used by our online editor for contacting purposes.
Comments are moderated by The Courier according to its Electronic User Agreement within one business day. Comments that slander others or include language that violates the agreement will be rejected. All comments that impart opinion and information are welcome.

14 Comments (2 pages)

Latest comments listed first.
cm wrote:
Chill out
“ I'm with Fred. All people have to do is use caution and defenive driving in the snow. Leave your house early to get there safely. As for Melrose, your right, it will be a Massive improvement. I'm so excited that they finally fixed it, and the guys did such a good job on it. Melrose had to be one of the worst roads to drive on,winter or summer. So Chill out people and just use a little caution. ”
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 10:05:03 AM
poles1 wrote:
furlough days
“ Jo... police and fire DID take furlough days. Ask any of them and I am sure they would show you their pay stub showing the returned funds. Better yet, go the the CITY auditors office and they will show you.
The patrol cars sitting may need repairs or waiting to be sold due to mechanical problems. The police fleet has been cut since the shifts no longer overlap (more cars for two shifts). Plus no new cars in the foreseeable future. Get your facts before spewing incorrect info!! ”
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 8:19:29 AM
Tim wrote:
comments
“ Just so we are informed and no going by rumors-the Police Department did have to take those furlough days-so I can help you clarify that one. Also they don't take home their cars like other departments and not all the cars are used. I've been told that there are sometimes only 6 cops on duty. They also have to go back to the station to write reports and process arrests and other paperwork. I think the police officers and firemen have been doing a terrific job in the face of what's been going on. ”
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 7:16:45 AM
jeff wrote:
wow
“ Jo you are so misinformed. But you did get one thing right, firefighters ARE getting a pay raise in 2009 AND 2010, no other city employees are. But that was not hidden, it has been out there in the public and in the Courier, read the paper, stay current with the news! ”
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 10:25:26 PM
Jeremy wrote:
Roads
“ I don't know where Fred lives but he is mistaken the snow removal in Findlay is TERRIBLE! Each year it has gotten worse the city needs to wake up and realize this is a safety issue. School bussed loaded with children travel these unplowed streets including the streets the schools are located on. Watch as the buses slide around turns. The only streets that get plowed are Main, Tiffin, Trenton, and Fostoria. We as residents should refuse to shovel our sidewalks (located in city right of way) until the city plows our streets or better yet force the city to clear their side walks in front of our houses. ”
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 9:17:15 PM
Azrael wrote:
Fred;
“ Even though yes, we all can take precautions while on the roads and expect delays in having our roads cleared or repaired. The point that's trying, I hope, to be made is that "what's next". What's the next city service to be cut....who's going to be laid off now?

When more and more city services or if programs are being threatened closed, then we have to ask ourselves what, exactly, are we paying taxes for?

When there are more police cars sitting parked downtown at the station then patroling the streets...who does that really benefit? When firefighters are lounging outside on a warm summers evening...are they really working for us? When we're asked to conserve water...and then we realize no benefit to consuming less and that we're charged a "minimum" for the utility...is that really fair to ourselves, our neighbors and all those who decide to reside here?

When more and more is being asked of the residents...at what point do you say that enough is enough? When does the opprotunity cost of living within 45840 exceed the benefits of?

As to this particuler article, it was posted in the Couier that even though if both tax requests passed, there was still a possibility of layoffs within the City and County and ministrations. This shouldn't be a suprise for most people. ”
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 9:11:15 PM
Fred wrote:
Chill out!!!
“ Reading what you all are writing, I would think you lived in a 3rd world country or something. The roads are not that bad, just slow down and watch for pot holes. Melrose has been a HUGE project and will be a MASSIVE improvement over what it was but I read nothing about this on anyone's comments. Snow removal is NOT terrible and if you live in the country or a "side road, perhaps you should look into getting something with 4 wheel drive seeing how you did not take snow removal into consideration when you bought your home. ”
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 7:31:58 PM
jo wrote:
layoffs
“ I really have a hard time accepting the layoffs of some city employees. While I will agree that there is fat in every department I am tired of putting the firefighters on a pedastle because of the unfortunate and devasting events that occured on 9/11. We are recoginizing and rewarding our fire department for the efforts that other fire departments do. The fire department is important but no more important than any other department within the City of Findlay. This isn't Toledo, Cincinnati, Cleveland or Columbus where structure fires occur everyday. It has been rumored that the fire department took an 11% reduction in compensation for 2009 but I am not sure what those concessions were. I would love to know what the average wage is for a firefighter and a listing of the concessions that they took in 2009. It is also reported that the firefighters will receive a 4% pay increase for 2010, if this is true why was the public not told about this? Was it fear that the levy would not pass if the public knew about the raises? If this is true are the rest of the city employees receiving raises in 2010? It was also rumored that all of the city employees took eight furlough days and salary employees took a pay cut. It was also remored that the fire department and police department did not participate in those activities, if this is true why? It would also be interesting to see the 2008 salary and wages for the general fund vs. the 2009 salary and wages for the general fund to see if any money was saved with the impementation of the mandatory furlough days. There are still a lot of questions that need to be raised. I just hope they are. ”
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 7:25:55 PM
Azrael wrote:
Yeah doc
“ You're faith in our leaders is and continues to be misplaced, as is a whole mess load of people.

Obviously, we like it...otherwise people would (gasp) do something about it... ”
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 6:10:49 PM
DrEMGaylord wrote:
Decorations
“ How great is it that the same day this story runs, there is a picture about the Christmas tree with part of the description "The city also will resume Main Street Christmas decorations this year, after skipping them in 2008 for budget reasons."

How would you like to tell a city employee, 'Sorry about being laid off, but at least you can enjoy the Christmas decorations.'?

I can't wait for the excuse about this one, or why the city decided to keep operation of the pool this past summer when other solutions were (seemingly) available.

I was willing to give the city one more opportunity to prove they could spend our tax dollars in a responsible manner; obviously, my faith in our city leadership is misplaced.

PRIORITIES! PRIORITIES! PRIORITIES! ”
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 3:42:36 PM
   NEWS VIDEO

Benton Ridge Shooting

This video, released by the Hancock County Prosecutor's Office, shows the shooting of a Lima man who led authorities on a three-county chase ending Aug.24 in Benton Ridge. Be cautioned, the video contains graphic content.
   SPECIAL SECTIONS
Summer Coupons
   WEEKEND
USA Weekend

ANDERSON COOPER: Five years after Hurricane Katrina, the CNN reporter returns to New Orleans as the Gulf Coast faces even newer challenges.


Roses are red...

SOLUTIONS, NOT PROBLEMS: The University of Findlay plays host to competitive sailor who is a quadruple amputee.

ALSO IN WEEKEND: Area events,
prep boys and girls soccer and a trip to Niagra Falls.

   STAY IN TOUCH
The Courier on Facebook
   VIRTUAL VILLAGE
TisaWee Farm

Far Flung Guest Book

Virtual Village
   PHOTO GALLERY
Randy's Seen

IMAGE BLOG: Go behind the scenes with Courier photographer Randy Roberts.


You can purchase photographs from The Courier through our easy-to-use online system. Get prints, mousepads, T-shirts and more!

   LOCAL NEWS
  LATEST COMMENTS Last 10 comments submitted by our readers...
just sayin wrote in article "31 charged in Hardin drug probe":
drugs
“ sick of the whiners...kenton has more drugs than findlay ?how would you know that unless your involved in the drug scene?I love... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 12:08:35 PM
tired of this wrote in article "Shooting video":
benton ridge shooting
“ Well leave it to the courier to keep sterring the pot. The video that the courier itself posted clearly shows the suspect jump o... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 12:03:53 PM
just sayin wrote in article "Heroin outbreak":
the courier
“ what good does it do to blog on the couriers web site when the courier only post the blogs they want you to read how about posti... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 12:02:38 PM
retired OH cop in MT wrote in article "Shooting video released":
shooting
“ Nate.....after reading your comments, you wouldn't live long on the street as a police officer. I was involved in two shootings... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 11:30:30 AM
SICK OF THE WHINERS wrote in article "31 charged in Hardin drug probe":
DRUG BUST
“ Kenton has alot more drugs than Findlay!!! To those of you who don't like Hancock county, LEAVE! Everytime law enforcement in... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 11:19:09 AM
The Layman wrote in article "Parole denied in murder case":
Out of control
“ I'm sorry but there are way too many personal attacks allowed on this forum. You invalidate your point when you stray from the f... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 11:08:44 AM
j wrote in article "Many winners named as Hancock Fair opens":
Good but little expensive
“ The fair was interesting, but at $5 for the more popular rides on the expensive side, same with the food, many people commented... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 10:37:10 AM
JM wrote in article "McComb couple is serious about fair competition":
Very nice!
“ What a lovely article. Will have to check out their goods at the fair. ” Read More...
9/2/2010 10:21:42 AM
Ed wrote in article "Shooting video released":
Dirt bag...
“ A head shot would have put an end to the both dirt bag's chance of getting more money. NATE: could it be that you have some fir... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 9:53:26 AM
Yfkm wrote in article "Heroin outbreak":
Denial
“ To Tony and TL Every good citizen, parent and public official advocates the eradication of drugs from our communities; you are n... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 9:08:20 AM
  U.S. Headlines
  World News
  Ohio News
Subscribe to The Courier - Current Offers
News Briefs Firefighters discover 20 marijuana plants in house
After fighting a house fire early Monday at 815 Howard St., firefighters found 20 marijuana plants in the residence.

"They ran across it and called us," said police Sgt. Justin Hendren with the Hancock County METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit.

Police seized all 20 plants, and Hendren said charges are pending.

High-powered growing lights, fans, and a box filled with dried marijuana were also found in the house, according to a police report.

Investigators said an electrical short started the fire before 3 a.m. Monday.

The blaze caused an estimated $12,000 in damage to the residence, owned by Amanda Crawford. No one was injured, according to the Findlay Fire Department.

Carey announces holiday closing
CAREY -- Carey offices, including administrative, income tax and utilities, electric, wastewater treatment plant, and public works, will be closed Monday in observance of Labor Day.

The curbside recycling program will be held Tuesday through Thursday, Sept. 7-9.

Findlay trooper named sergeant
Trooper Jacob L. Fletcher, assigned to the Findlay post of the State Highway Patrol, was promoted to sergeant Wednesday by Patrol Superintendent Col. David Dicken.

With the promotion, Fletcher will stay at the Findlay post and serve as an assistant post commander, according to the patrol.

Fletcher began his patrol career in 2002 after graduating from the 139th Academy class and has been assigned to the Findlay post since.

Owens announces holiday schedule
The Toledo and Findlay campuses of Owens Community College will be closed Saturday through Monday for the Labor Day holiday.

There will be no classes and the college offices will be closed.

Classes will resume and offices will open again on Tuesday.

Holiday changes ad deadlines
The Courier won't be published on Monday, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Because of the holiday, some advertising deadlines have been moved up this week:

Black and white display advertising for Tuesday's newspaper must be placed by noon Friday. Display advertising for Wednesday's newspaper must be placed by 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Color display advertising for the Thursday, Sept. 9 newspaper must be placed by Friday.

Classified advertising and City and Country advertising for Saturday's newspaper must be placed by 2 p.m. Friday. Classified ads for Tuesday's newspaper must be placed by 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Courier business and advertising offices will close at 3 p.m. Friday for the holiday.