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Jobs Cuts Are Coming For Owen County Employees To Relieve Debt

By Ethan Burks

Posted June 29, 2021

(Ethan Burks, WFIU/WTIU News)

The Owen County Council approved a plan Monday night to cut jobs across all local government departments in an effort to reduce some of the county's debt. 

After spending $9.5 million from a $7.6 million 2020 budget, Owen County is $1.9 million in the red. The overspending was made worse by a clerical error from the former county auditor that resulted in a failure to collect $900,000 in taxes. 

Council president Andy Wood said the county can no longer maintain the status quo.

"It’s unsustainable. We have to become leaner or we’re going to be right back in this situation again," said Wood. 

In the last two weeks, each department has made significant cuts to free-up about $600,000. 

"A lot of that is just department heads ponying up what they’re not using to help the county as a whole, and we appreciate that," said Wood. 

The county is also mandating each department lay off at least one employee to decrease expenses even further.

That decision was met with frustration and disappointment from several department heads.

"I will not cut an officer from my staff, so I have to look at other avenues," said Owen County Sheriff Sam Hobbs. "It narrows it down to a small margin, but public safety is public safety. My officers will stay intact."

The countywide mandate means about 10 individuals will lose their jobs by mid-August. Employees in 911 services, as well as EMS workers, will be exempt from the layoffs.

"They’re already at rock bottom. I’m telling you when the 2022 budget hearings come up, they [departments] have nothing to give you. All you got is personnel," said Owen County Commissioner Gary Burton. 

In order to monitor finances moving forward, the county has hired Peters Municipal Consulting to come up with a long-term solution.

Several councilmembers Monday alluded to the fact that it could include tax increases for residents. 

"This is just a preliminary step. If there is a need to raise taxes in financial year 2022, there is a resource for us," said Wood. 

Wood said a tax increase would involve a series of public hearings and budget negotiations. 

Departments will have one last chance to make their case against employee cuts at the council’s next meeting on July 20 at 7 p.m.

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