Just weeks before Christmas, 20 City of Roswell employees found themselves out of work following a round of layoffs tied to a budget realignment that city officials say is necessary to meet future needs. The decision, however, has left residents and former employees grappling with the timing and impact of the cuts.
City spokesperson Julie Brechbill confirmed that 20 employees, including 16 full-time and four part-time staff members, were laid off as part of the city’s budget process. The city recently shifted its fiscal year to begin in January, which required the budget to be approved by the end of December. Brechbill said those laid off were provided with compensation packages, assistance with unemployment filings, and lists of job openings in nearby municipalities.
While the layoffs affect departments such as Communications, Finance, and Recreation and Parks, Brechbill says the decision wasn’t about a lack of funds, but a realignment of city resources. The city is planning on hiring 20 new employees, including 15 firefighters and five transportation crew members, as part of a broader plan to transition to a full-time fire department.
“Roswell was the only city its size in the United States that employed a part-time fire department,” Brechbill said. “The Mayor and Council made a commitment to provide a full-time Fire Department to protect our residents, businesses and visitors.”
The decision, however, has drawn concern from former City Councilwoman Nancy Diamond, who described the timing as especially painful given the holidays. “Many of those still there are clearly hurting for their former colleagues, and fearful for themselves.” Diamond said. She pointed to the loss of the city’s grants manager as particularly troubling. According to Diamond, the department had a track record of securing more than $90 million in funding. The department more than paid for itself, Diamond said.
In response to the layoffs, Diamond launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist displaced employees. “Not only did people weigh with concern, there was discussion about doing something to help.” she said. “It didn’t take long, and in short order, caring people responded in a big way.” She added that organizers are working to distribute the funds quickly and fairly.
Despite the assistance efforts, some residents remain concerned about the timing and impact of the layoffs. Brechbill acknowledged the difficulty but defended the decision. “There is never a good time to lay off employees and our hearts go out to those who were let go,” she said.
If you would like to help the laid off employees, you can follow the GoFundMe link here.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.