WILKES-BARRE �?? Eleven city employees have accepted early retirement, according to Drew McLaughlin, administrative coordinator.
He said 4 in the fire department, 2 police, 2 public works, one non-union management in the purchasing department and 2 in Local 1310 �?? one in parking enforcement and one in the tax office have accepted the city�??s offer.
�??In order to close the end of year deficit and reduce the proposed millage increase for 2013, the city will thoroughly review these retirements to see what positions, if any, will need to be replaced,�?� said Mayor Tom Leighton. �??We anticipate more mandatory cuts will be necessary to fulfill both city council�??s and the administration's goals of closing the year in balance and minimizing the impact of potential tax rate increases.�?�
Wilkes-Barre is short almost $2 million in revenues this year and furloughs are planned to balance Leighton�??s $44.8 million budget for 2012. The mayor has proposed a preliminary $45.8 million budget for 2013 that calls for a 31-percent real estate tax increase. Council has to adopt a budget by the end of the year.
Read Wednesday�??s Times Leader the entire story.