County Executive News

County Executive Announces Furloughs for County Employees

County Executive Mike Breslin announced today the implementation of a furlough plan as a step to save money in the face of a $20.5 million budget gap in 2009.

All departments under the direction of the County Executive, with the exception of the Albany County Nursing Home and Sewer District, will be closed for five days during the remainder of 2009. Separately elected officials are being encouraged to participate. The plan, without the inclusion of staff under separately elected officials, will save approximately $1.4 million.

"This is a difficult decision, but these are dire economic times, and it is critical we take actions now to address the budget shortfall," said Breslin. "I personally will be participating as well as my staff, and I have asked my fellow separately elected officials to participate as well."

Department heads, separately elected officials and union leaders were officially notified today of the plan. Emergency services as normally required on weekends and county holidays will be in effect on furlough days.

In May, the County Executive announced a $20.5 million budget gap for 2009 due largely to a significant decline in sales tax revenues and State budget cuts. This represents approximately 30 percent of the County's tax levy of $67.9 million.  

Breslin will continue to review programmatic and operational cuts to county services and other county-wide savings.

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