The city of West Jordan is issuing additional job cuts after receiving a handful of voluntary layoffs. (PHOTO: West Jordan City Hall | West Jordan City FB)
WEST JORDAN, Utah — As cities around the world face budget crunches with stores closing and tax revenue shrinking, West Jordan City is asking employees if they’re interested in voluntary layoffs.
The city circulated a memo to employees asking for volunteers for job cuts saying that employees would be able to choose from different compensation packages.
One option would include three months of pay and benefits, while another option would extend health insurance for a longer time.
City Spokesperson Tauni Barker says that the ask comes as their city has seen a 10% decrease in their tax revenue which she says accounts to around $8 million.
“We don’t know how long this might last and that’s part of the challenge,” Barker told Utah’s Morning News.
“So we’re asking for employees who are at an age where they might be looking for retirement or individuals who may otherwise be looking to separate from the city to consider this option as a way to help prevent future layoffs.”
Between the city’s two main revenue streams, property tax and sales tax, Barker says they are seeing the biggest decline in revenue coming from a decrease in sales tax.
Barker says that West Jordan is trying to be as transparent as they can with city employees with the struggles that they’re facing and doing everything they can to prevent layoffs.
“We’re hoping to do everything that we can to cut back and trim back and prevent [layoffs] to the degree possible, but like many things s right now this is uncertain,” Barker says.
Barker says any decisions will be made over the next few weeks and months.
You can hear the full interview with Tauni Barker below
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