Signs are pointing to more layoffs among township employees, likely those at the library and police and fire departments.
Mayor Vic De Luca confirmed the Township Committee on Tuesday directed Township Administrator Joseph Manning to inform the
library board that its contribution would be cut 10%, to $1.68 million.
"We have asked them to preserve hours and
look at reducing staff," De Luca said.
The Township Committee Public Safety Committee was to have met Wednesday
night with Fire Chief Dennis Carragher and Police Chief Robert Cimino. But that meeting was cancelled.
All indications
are that township officials will inform the chiefs of a tentative plan that could have up to three positions each eliminated
from the police and fire staffs.
With Fire Chief Carragher planning to retire later this year that could be counted
as one of the cuts.
De Luca declined to comment on the layoff potential, saying only: "It is likely that there
will be discussions with the two chiefs of what would happen if there is a reduction in force."
"It is a shame
that the times have come to this and it is a shame that the times are so difficult," TC member Jerry Ryan said.
At
the same time, Maplewood learned Wednesday it will receive some $45,000 in the federal stimulus package slated for police
departments.
Weeks ago, the township announced 17 layoffs, with many from the Public Works Department. The TC also revealed
a summer furlough plan that will have nearly all employees taking Fridays off for a total of 12 unpaid furlough days.
Currently, the Fire Department has about 43 positions, with two vacant posts. There are currently 63 full-time police positions,
with two recent new hires, according to PBA President Kevin Kisch.
"It would end up having a negative impact
on service to the community and it would end up costing the township more because in law enforcement you have to have a minimum
number of people on the street," Kisch said recently. "You would have to pay for overtime."
The
TC is expected to further discuss police and fire cuts as part of its next scheduled budget meeting on Saturday morning.
The cutbacks would also occur as the police union is negotiating a new contract. With its last deal expired in 2006,
the union is currently in arbitration for a new deal, having held an arbitration hearing last month.
Kisch has
said a binding arbitration decision is expected in April. He said the current disputes involve police officer contributions
to health insurance, as well as salary.
Initially, the union sought a 6%-per-year raise, while the township has
offered 3.25% per year.
