Snohomish County budget calls for 160 job cuts in 2009

The Snohomish County Council today adopted an $812 million budget for 2009 that calls for the layoffs of about 80 employees.

In adopting the budget, the council warned there could be more layoffs in the new year if unions don't negotiate furloughs for all union-represented employees. The council hopes employees will take voluntary 10-day furloughs next year to help close a $21 million budget deficit.

The new budget calls for about 80 layoffs. Another 80 or so open positions will go unfilled so the total workforce reduction will be about 160.

The furlough plan has been a subject of contention between the council and county Executive Aaron Reardon.

Reardon blamed the County Council for not directing him to open negotiations on mandatory furloughs. But Council Chairman Dave Somers has said it's Reardon's responsibility, under the county charter, to initiate discussions with the unions.

Roger Moller, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees local that represents 400 Snohomish County employees, said the union has had conversations with the county, but until a budget is adopted and the number of layoffs finalized, "we can't have constructive talks about furloughs."

He criticized the County Council for not involving the unions in budget discussions, or sharing with them the suggestions received from employees about ways to save money and jobs.

The County Council earlier this month voted to not raise property taxes for 2009, citing the recession and widespread layoffs.

Information from Seattle Times archives is included in this report