Council Members Were Not Informed
By Allen Payton, Publisher
According to Antioch Police Officers Association (APOA) President Tom Fuhrmann, Chief of Police Jim Hyde handed out layoff notices to six police officers, today. They’re effective in two weeks.
In response to a question about the statement on the APOA’s website (www.APOA.com) regarding the layoffs, Furhman said “Yes…it is true. The Chief notified each of the six officers personally, today. I believe they were told ‘two weeks.’”
The council members were not aware the notices were given out, today, nor was it mentioned by either City Manager Jim Jakel or Chief Hyde at last night’s council meeting.
“This is the first I have heard, as well,” Mayor Jim Davis said. “However, it was inevitable. This city must remain solvent. I firmly advised that the City Council make the ultimate decision based on the indecision of the bargaining units.”
“I was not notified, per say,” Davis added. “We authorized Jim Jakel the dollar amount to reduce. He made and makes the decision where and when. The two weeks is a total surprise, however.”
Councilman Gary Agopian also wasn’t aware of the notices.
“No announcement I have seen,” he replied to this reporter’s question. “But we did authorize $700,000 in reductions to this fiscal year to balance the budget. Without concessions there will be potential layoffs.”
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