While the Police Dept. has been laser-focused for days on the threatened ouster of the chief by an upstart internal group, the employment news around the corner, at City Hall, is the opposite.
Ever since former City Manager Mark Scott announced last January that, because of a budget shortfall, it would be necessary to shrink the city workforce through a combination of golden handshakes and layoffs, a grim mood has hung over City Hall.
Originally, 16 layoffs were projected, but that number gradually has declined.
As of today, the projected new number is zero, representing an extraordinary turnaround.
However, the zero will not be official and final until early in September, the deadline for golden handshake declarations.
Needing to close out a total of 60 positions, Interim City Manager Lamont Ewell said that after golden handshakes lured scores into early retirement, Serena Wright, the Human Resources Director, stepped in and made the difference.
He said Ms. Wright deserves the credit for creatively saving the rest of the jobs.
“She is phenomenal,” said Mr. Ewell. “All along, she has kept looking for places and possibilities” for moving workers around in an attempt to keep all of the current staff employed.
“We think we now have the capability of offering, not the same jobs, but jobs in similar categories for each of the (16) people who are impacted.
“I want to put out a caveat. This projection is predicated on people who have stated they want to take the golden handshake and retire by Sept. 8.”
Does this preclude concessions by the six city unions?
“No,” said Mr. Ewell. “I sent letters to them last month, after the budget was passed, asking them to free up their calendars for August for us to sit down and have formal discussions about the 2011-12 projected deficit.”
Does Mr. Ewell anticipate a receptive mood when he meets with each set of negotiators?
“I am a glass half full kind of guy,” he said. “I think all the members of this organization I have come to know and interact with have a real commitment and love for this community.
“I can’t help but think they are going to come, wanting to resolve the issue. I don’t think anybody wants to see further reductions in the workforce.
“We all know that is going to be problematic. It will not only lower the service level but will put more pressure on those who are remaining to get more work done. I don’t think anyone wants to see that as the alternative.
“And I have to point out: This situation is not unique to Culver City. Throughout this country, throughout the world, this is going on.
“I am hoping all six bargaining units will come and help find creative ways to share the costs.”
