The Hollister City Council has spoken on job layoffs, voting
Wednesday night to approve cutting 36 positions from the city
payroll.
While we, as well as everyone involved, wish it did not come to
such a drastic measure, there is still hope for as fair of a plan
as possible considering the financial mess the city is in.
The Hollister City Council has spoken on job layoffs, voting Wednesday night to approve cutting 36 positions from the city payroll.
While we, as well as everyone involved, wish it did not come to such a drastic measure, there is still hope for as fair of a plan as possible considering the financial mess the city is in.
Now there should be focus on what was talked about throughout: meetings to work out the details and continuing to monitor financial projections.
And we once again urge the city to look at recouping its debts as quickly as the legal system will allow. It is not mixing apples and oranges when so many people’s livelihoods are being severely impacted.
We urge John Vellardita and union workers to work together with the city and not make unreasonable demands.
We ask that City Manager Dale Shaddox and City Council members continue to work in good faith, realizing that there are families and faces attached to those job losses, not just budgets and numbers.
There are still other areas to quickly look into, along with unpaid markers.
Robert Scattini had a good suggestion about selling off some equipment. Pauline Valdivia promised the Council would seriously evaluate other ideas. Tony LoBue is right to start thinking about help for those who do get laid off.
Mayor Tony Bruscia effectively mediated the two sides in the meeting, which had much potential for chaos in the emotional setting.
Bruscia also pointed out that there is much important work still ahead.
We agree.
It is also a time to briefly look back and make sure every effort is made to avoid this situation in the future.
A lack of leadership in some areas, poor planning and bad decisions – the grant writing firm that didn’t produce grants is just one example – all helped create this mess.
The horrible financial mismanagement of the state of California also played a role.
But let’s monitor the progress that was promised Wednesday night for the next few months.
Job cuts and layoffs should be as minimal as possible.
And vital city departments must not be left without proper leadership.
