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Woodlands County to temporarily lay off seven full-time employees

Councillors to discuss possible reduction to honourariums during April 21 meeting
Woodlands County Council
Woodlands County announced on Friday, April 17 that the municipality has given two weeks' notice to seven employees who will be temporarily laid off. Other staff are seeing either reductions in their work schedules, while administration is seeing a 10 per cent salary reduction. Councillors will be discussing a possible reduction in their honourariums at their next meeting on Tuesday, April 21.

BARRHEAD — Blaming the current COVID-19 pandemic, Woodlands County announced late Friday that the municipality is temporarily laying off seven full-time employees while the remaining staff are on reduced work schedules.

A release sent out from the county on April 17 states that two weeks’ notice has been given to the seven full-time employees.

As well, senior management — including the Chief Administrative Officer — has seen a 10 per cent in their current salaries, with no reduction in their work schedules.

“The current COVID-19 crisis is having negative effective effects felt around the world, and Woodlands County is no exception,” stated mayor John Burrows.

“While decision that impact our staff, workers and their families are difficult, we have made these tough decisions to reduce expenditures and to ensure the sustainability of the municipality.”

It was further noted in the release that these temporary measures will create a reduction in wage expenses, but residents may also see some interruptions in service needs.

Woodlands County councillors will be discussing a possible reduction to their honourariums during the upcoming council meeting this Tuesday, April 21, at 9:30 a.m.

This will be a virtual meeting, though it’s not yet clear how the public will be able to view the proceedings.

While the office is closed to the public, the county’s reception remains available to receive calls from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. The office may be contacted at (780) 778-8400 or toll-free at 1-888-870-6315.

Kevin Berger, TownandCountryToday.com

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