Folsom cuts 31 jobs; Police union fighting to save five officers

Folsom Telegraph

July 8, 2010

By Eric Laughlin

It’s still to be seen whether or not the city can spare the jobs of five police officers who were laid off last week.

Originally it had been eight officers who were set to be shown the door the last day of June, but Chief Sam Spiegel reported that three positions have tentatively been saved for the year, following the decision of three others to retire.

The layoffs are the result of a May 25 vote by the city council to approve a new operating budget that came with staff downsizing.

In all, the budget eliminated 50 positions, 31 of which were filled. Those filled jobs include 12 in the police department (non-officer jobs include a crime analyst and communications expert), five in Community Development, five in Parks and Recreation and three in Public Works.

Though a total of 31 people were let go, the only job saving discussions that have been ongoing involve the officers’ jobs. City spokeswoman Sue Ryan said that’s because their contract expired the same day as the layoffs. She said the city anticipates discussions with other employees later in the year.

The police discussions with the city have been led by the Folsom Police Officers’ Association, which, according to Spiegel, is expected to vote on a resolution by next week.

“There’s a seven day waiting period after they vote so we probably won’t know until next week,” Spiegel said.

Spiegel has expressed frustration over the idea of layoffs since they were initially proposed by City Manager Kerry Miller in April, arguing that Folsom’s safety will be compromised with such a staff reduction.

Miller, however, said Folsom has a higher officer-per-citizen ratio than other California cities with similar demographics.

Ryan reported some success in the layoff mitigation process, but has otherwise been very tight lipped.

“The situation is still very fluid as we continue efforts to mitigate the actual number of layoffs,” she said. “While we have had some success to date, the final tally is still uncertain.”

Resident Teresa McLaughlin lives in the Prairie Oaks community of Folsom and said she hopes the officers’ jobs can be saved.

“I’m very concerned about there being fewer police officers,” she said. “Especially since I’ve noticed more graffiti lately.”

Folsom resident Tony Paim said he has no problem with fewer traffic officers on the road.

“It just seems like there’s too many of them driving around,” he said. “And it bothers me when I see them on their cell phones. They’re supposed to be the ones setting the example.”

In recent years, Folsom’s police and fire departments have avoided layoffs, though the Police Department did have to pass on hiring an academy graduate last year.

Spiegel said he’s hopeful that a good agreement can be reached this month.

“I think the union did a good job of representing the officers, while also understanding the city’s position,” he added. “Hopefully we’ll get something that’s palatable to both parties.”