First-Round of Actions Saves Taxpayers $32 Million
In an effort to further reduce the costs of running Nassau County government and protect homeowners from a property tax increase, County Executive Edward P. Mangano today announced plans that achieve $32 million in annual reoccurring employee-related budget savings. The plan includes $10.6 million in savings from 130 employee layoffs; $9 million from redeploying police from desks to patrol; $7 million from the elimination of additional positions; and $5.3 million in savings from 54 employees participating in the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program. After personnel reductions in July 2011, the County will have 1,200 fewer positions than 2009 budgeted-levels – the last year of the previous administration. Nassau County is now operating with the lowest level workforce since the 1950s. Today’s announcement is just the first-round of employee cost-cutting actions the County Executive will take in 2011.
“My administration has worked tirelessly to rein in government spending and protect residents from a property tax increase.” said County Executive Mangano. “I advised County unions that labor savings were necessary for 2011 and that if they were not achieved voluntarily, I would have no choice but to achieve these savings with layoffs and other actions. Because additional concessions have not been volunteered in 2011, it is necessary to issue formal layoffs and redeployment of police. Simply put, if everyone gave a little, no one would give a lot.”
LAYOFFS & ATTRITION
For the past 10 months, County Executive Mangano warned Nassau’s unions that there would be voluntary concessions, ordered concessions or employees would be laid off. Upon passage of the Legislature, the 130 layoffs announced today will take effect July 1st. This first-round of layoffs saves taxpayers $10.6 million, including:
In an effort to reduce the workforce prior to issuing employee layoff notices, County Executive Mangano implemented a Voluntary Separation Incentive Program for employees. Since its inception in April, 54 employees have participated in the separation program. The County will save $5.3 million by not filling the vacancies created by these retirements and will extend the program for a two-week period.
Police Redeployment Plan
County Executive Mangano today implemented a Police Redeployment Plan to save taxpayers over $9 million. This Police Redeployment Plan restructures the Nassau County Police Department by redeploying 166 employees, including 109 officers, 19 supervisors and 38 civilian employees. Components of the Police Redeployment Plan include:
Redesign of Police Precinct Public Outreach
Redeployment of Trained Civilian Personnel
Increase AMT’s to Enhance Public Safety, Reduce Overtime and Increase Revenue
Creating Administrative Flexibility through the Redeployment of Police Officers
Returning Police Officers from Back Office Operations to the Streets
Supervisory Savings Achieved through the Creation of Tactical Field Services Unit
Since taking office, County Executive Mangano has taken a thoughtful approach at restructuring the police department, wherein he eliminated 125 desk jobs, put more police officers on the streets, reduced crime by more than 10 percent and saved taxpayers $20 million annually. Today’s redeployment will bring further savings while maintaining public safety.