Village of Baltimore reduces office hours, operations - Things That Affect YOU - Ohioans for Responsible Rural Development

VILLAGE OF BALTIMORE, OHIO
PRESS RELEASE

November 22, 2011

After extensive deliberation by the Mayor, Council and Administration, the Village of Baltimore's Council has been forced to authorize the layoff of four Village employees.  The layoff will affect two police officers, one office staff, and one service worker, and be effective December 1, 2011.

Layoffs became necessary due to reduced revenue and drastic increases in the cost of supplies, equipment and fuel.  As highly publicized, state revenue to local municipalities are decreasing, and in some cases, such as tangible personal property taxes, being eliminated.

Village officials and staff have spent the last several years implementing cost-cutting measures, including employee position eliminations, cost sharing with other government entities, and eliminating contracts for services such as building cleaning and mowing.  This was done in an attempt to continue expected services and maintain already-reduced employee levels.  However, these reductions have not resulted in a large enough savings to offset the reduced revenue and increased cost of services.

Because of these announced staff decreases, the following changes will be effective December 1, 2011:

• The Village office will be open to the public between the hours of 9:00am and 4:30pm, with the office being closed between 12:00pm and 1:00pm.
  
  
• Service department hours will be modified to 6:00am to 2:30pm in order to reduce overtime necessities during inclement weather.  Future reduction in services, such as leaf pick up, are yet to be determined.
  
  
• Hours of on-duty service by the police department will be affected.  Residents and business owners should continue to call 652-7911 for police services.  A Baltimore officer will be dispatched if on duty.  Otherwise, a Fairfield County Sheriff's deputy will be dispatched when one becomes available.  All other community policing programs are being evaluated for cost viability.

Residents should be assured that the employees of the Village of Baltimore will continue to work diligently with the resources provided to them to provide essential services.  For questions regarding municipal services please contact Marsha Hall, Village Administrator, at 862-4491.  For questions regarding police service please contact Michael Tussey, Police Chief, at 862-4205.

Judy Landis, Council President
Village of Baltimore