43 to be laid off for one week in Mercer Co.

Special to The Vindicator

MERCER, Pa. — Mercer County commissioners announced they will lay off 43 employees for one week.

The 43 members of United Steelworkers of America Local 1355-04 will be furloughed Monday through Aug. 14. The unit represents primarily workers in the county courthouse.

Commissioners emphasized Wednesday that the courthouse and all other affected county offices will remain open next week but asked the public to be patient as more than a dozen areas will be working with reduced staffs. Departments impacted include: bridge, controller, elections and voter registration, maintenance, microfilm, purchasing, recorder, soil conservation, switchboard, tax assessment, tax claim, treasurer and veterans affairs.

An automated phone system will direct courthouse callers to the appropriate office.

Previous moves aimed at reining in a growing budget deficit estimated at $800,000 included a six-month, 3 percent pay reduction for elected officials, department heads, nonunion and professional employees; a 3 percent cut for sheriff’s union members; five unpaid days off for Children and Youth Services union members. These moves are projected to save nearly $200,000.