More layoffs coming today at City Hall

By Herald staff  Wednesday, November 17, 2010
 Penticton City Hall is being hit with more layoffs.  A news conference has been called for 11 a.m. today to announce what is being described as an “organizational restructure” for the city.  Sources reveal that at least three more management positions and a number of clerical jobs are being eliminated. Most of the staff has been called into City Hall for an 8:30 a.m. announcement.  Mayor Dan Ashton declined immediate comment on the staffing moves Tuesday. Patti Finch, president of CUPE Local 608, said she also could not comment until after today‘s press conference.  This is the latest in a series of layoffs that taken place this year. John Kirbyson, the city‘s director of parks and recreation, was laid off last month. This was followed by the elimination of the city webmaster‘s position, handled by a contract worker. Last March, three senior management staff were given their walking papers. Thirty-six staff members at the Penticton Community Centre were also laid off last spring for the year-long construction of the $23-million pool upgrade. City council has yet to decide whether they will be rehired or if operation of the community centre will be contracted out.  Council faces a $1.7-million budget shortfall next year, with another $1 million expected in 2012. The preliminary 2011 budget is due to be presented Dec. 6.