City To Reconsider Job Cut

The Spokane City Council will consider tonight reinstating a supervisory position in the Transportation Department eliminated two years ago to trim the budget.

“We messed up. We never should have eliminated that position,” said Deputy City Manager Pete Fortin last week. “We’re requesting we add that position back in.”

The city began a voluntary severance program in 1995 aimed at reducing the size of City Hall to help balance strained budgets.

Those who opted for the program were given a lump sum payout, as well as money for unused sick leave and vacation time.

Nearly 70 jobs were eliminated.

Getting rid of an assistant supervisor post in street maintenance was too deep a cut, said Mayor Jack Geraghty. “Obviously, with a program like this, there are going to be adjustments.”

The street maintenance supervisor who left the city’s employ in 1995 was given $15,501 in severance pay and $19,804 in unused sick leave and vacation pay.

A briefing for the council begins at 3:30 p.m. in the lower-level conference room of City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. The council meeting starts at 6 p.m.

, DataTimes