Westmoreland County makes 12 temporary layoffs permanent as part of restructuring

Cash flow issues resulted from a state budget impasse and a subsequent freeze on allocations.

A dozen Westmoreland County employees who have been furloughed saw their positions abolished Thursday, resulting in permanent layoffs.

Seven of the positions were in the human services department, which director Rob Hamilton called a restructuring. The move will free up a chunk of money at a time when he said less funds are coming from the state.

“This makes available almost $1.6 million that we’re going to be able to put directly to consumers and streamline services,” he said.

Three positions were abolished by the county salary board at the juvenile detention center and two at the Westmoreland County Prison. The annual salaries of those five positions totaled about $165,000, according to salary board information.

Cash flow issues that resulted from a state budget impasse and a subsequent freeze on allocations for mandated social service programs led commissioners in October to furlough 125 full- and part-time staffers in an effort to save money. Some employees started to return to work as of mid-December, a month after state lawmakers passed a budget, and others retired or resigned.

Human Resources Director Amanda Bernard said a few employees who remain on furlough work in mapping and other functions related to property deeds. Those positions are under review, said Commissioner Ted Kopas.

The furlough process allowed county officials an opportunity to take a close look the employment needs of its departments, he said.

“I believe this government needs to be responsive to the needs to our residents and the realities of our finances,” he said.

For the positions that were abolished in the human services department, there are other staffers who can handle the job duties, Commissioner Sean Kertes said. That frees up money to be put towards clients and services.

“This is a win-win for the taxpayers across the board,” Kertes said.