Layoffs are coming to North Battleford City Hall. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Tyler Marr

PINK SLIPS

Staff reductions, layoffs hit City Hall

Apr 22, 2019 | 5:26 PM

In order to maintain an adequate and acceptable level of service using less available money, the City of North Battleford said in a press release sent out at 5 p.m. that “a very difficult decision was made to reduce staffing levels throughout the city including permanent staffing layoffs.”

“This type of decision is not one that any organization wants to make,” Mayor Ryan Bater was quoted as saying in the release. “It affects valued individuals and friends throughout administration. We can assure that the decisions were made in good faith and with every attempt to minimize the impact on employees and the city.”

No details were provided as to where the layoffs may occur or how many positions would be affected.

The release went on to say the service levels the public have come to expect will be maintained to the best of the city’s ability.

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“These tough decisions are necessary to attain long-term financial stability for the city and ensure that the city is spending within its means,” the release reads. “Rebuilding our foundation going forward will take time but can be accomplished with efficiencies and working together.”

The release said city council has recognized the need to “re-establish a strong financial foundation” and to accomplish this, the executive management team has seen substantial change with a number of management changes in 2018.

At council’s request, administration was working on an in-depth review of city operations. The focus was to identify areas where efficiencies could be found.

While many areas for improvement were identified and savings found, there have been decreases in commercial property assessment, the loss of long-term service agreements and slowing city-owned land sales.

City council meets tonight.

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tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr