JACKSON — News of more layoff notices being sent out, and not just for the Jackson Department of Public Works, came to light on Dec. 5, signaling warning signs about the upcoming municipal budget process, currently in the drafting phase.
“Unlike most towns, we go off a calendar year instead of a fiscal year,” Jackson Business Administrator Jose Torres said. “We submitted a reduction-in-force plan.”
Torres said the general layoff notices — sent to the engineering, construction and inspection, animal control, planning and zoning, Department of Public Works, and code enforcement/housing departments — are temporary.
“It is required that if there is going to be a possible shortfall, it has to be notified to the employees,” Torres said.
By state law, employees are required to be notified of any pending reduction of the work force at least 45 days in advance.
According to Torres, any employee ultimately selected for termination has the right to appeal the decision.
Officials could not confirm how many employees received layoff notices.
“The last thing the township wants to do is lose employees,” Jackson Mayor Michael Reina said. “We are trying to retain everybody and I’m hoping this will all be taken care of in a good way.”