By Matt Snyder
MERCER COUNTY — Mercer County Commissioners admitted they probably cut too many jail guard positions in August during a cost-savings push, and Thursday night restored two of the three jobs.
Commissioner Brian Beader said the Teamsters union, which represents the guards, filed a grievance, saying the work was picked up by nonunion part-timers, who are limited in the duties they are allowed to perform. Beader indicated that the Teamsters had a point.
No one was fired to cut those positions, commissioners said. They were left vacant through attrition. The move was part of the county’s “hiring chill,” where some county positions were eliminated or left unfilled.
Commissioners have been trying to save money on personnel costs to help make up for cost increases and revenue shortfalls brought on by the recession. Those measures included voluntary furloughs and pay cuts accepted by sheriff’s deputies and Children and Youth Services employees and a one-week layoff in August of nearly every courthouse employee. Returning the two jail guard positions will cost the county about $20,000 because of the difference in part-time and full-time benefits, said county fiscal chief John Logan.
The third full-time position has remained off the payroll, and Commissioner John Lechner said as part of the deal, some of the restrictions on what part-time employees at the jail can do have been lifted.
Commissioners have said they will continue to look for ways to cut costs. Lechner said they are still eyeing staff cuts.
