Layoffs begin at Hamilton County JFS

Nov. 12, 2008 -- Agency Director Moira Weir announced the first of a series of layoffs to agency employees today in this memo:

Dear staff,

Today, we are announcing the first of our layoffs related to the state reductions. This is one of the saddest days of my professional career. This is a difficult day for everyone, but especially for those who are leaving us. Please be respectful and appreciative of their time and contributions to this county and our citizens.

I have heard from many of you on your desire to know as quickly as possible about these layoffs and our plans moving forward. Unfortunately, we need to move faster than first anticipated in order to balance our 2009 budget.

Our current plan is to conduct layoffs through December. We will not make one large layoff or announcement; they will happen individually. We need time to work out the details with Human Resources.

Toward the middle of next year, we will re-evaluate to see where we are and whether we met our target budget. If the state makes further reductions in our allocations, we will need to act sooner. This is a very fluid situation; nothing is set in stone. We must eliminate approximately 350 positions in 2009. We hope to accomplish this through layoffs, attrition and retirement. Similar to how the State managed its reductions in February, 2008.

Resources are available to those who lose their jobs. Our Super Jobs center will help with outplacement services.

Also, out of respect for this process, we are postponing this year’s employee recognition event and putting our restructuring moves on hold.

Again, I know this is a difficult day for everyone. Try to stay focused on our work and service to our community. We have thousands of Hamilton County residents who need our assistance today, more than ever. Let us continue to do the best job possible as we weather this storm. Thanks for all your work, dedication and support. Please be patient and kind to one another.

Sincerely,

Moira