DALLAS, Texas — In a news release issued Tuesday, the city of Dallas announced it is planning to implement furlough days for some city employees.
July 10th, September 4th, and September 28th will be used as furlough days for “all general fund non-uniform employees.” In addition to that, all general fund and internal service fund non-uniform executives at or above the assistant director level are required to take two additional furlough days of their choice, but prior to September 16.
Council member Adam Bazaldua makes it clear in a statement that this was a surprise to him and was disappointed to find out through a news release rather than from city council discussions.
The council member says “This news is incredibly frustrating, as no matter the budget issues encountered, cutting workers’ pay should be the last resort we default to.” He continued with, “I want to make clear that I do not support furloughing employees as a sustainable cost saving method, just as I am adamantly opposed the idea of a bond election this November. It’s fiscally irresponsible to ask the public to vote to approve a billion-dollar bond in November if this is our city’s current financial state.”
According to the release, 911 employees, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and limited specific city employees (DWU, Aviation, Convention, Sanitation) will still be expected to report to work on the furlough days.
This furlough conversation comes amid the fight for city hall, which the council just voted to explore new sites rather than making repairs or renovations.
On top of the furloughs, the city has implemented hiring freezes for non-uniformed employees, suspended non-essential travel, and overtime for non-uniform employees is currently eliminated. In the release, the city says “Despite the cost-saving actions taken, General Fund expenses continue to outpace revenue, prompting the announcement regarding furlough days to help ensure financial balance.”
Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tlbert said “Furloughs are not our preferred solution; however, they enable us to reduce expenses, protect jobs and employee health benefits, and continue delivering services to our residents.”
