York County commissioners, from left to right, Chris Reilly, Susan Byrnes and Doug Hoke, meet on Nov. 6, 2019. Some polling places had long lines on Election Day as the county rolled out new voting machines. (Ed Mahon / PA Post)
Almost 300 York County employees to be temporarily furloughed
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Staff
York County commissioners, from left to right, Chris Reilly, Susan Byrnes and Doug Hoke, meet on Nov. 6, 2019. Some polling places had long lines on Election Day as the county rolled out new voting machines. (Ed Mahon / PA Post)
(York) — York County is putting almost 300 employees on furlough as it deals with the economic impact of coronavirus.
The county also has ordered a freeze on hiring non-essential personnel, according to a news release.
The furloughs are temporary, but the county didn’t say how long they’ll last — only that it plans to bring employees back “once we have emerged from this crisis and the curve has been flattened.”
The county said in its news release that half of its budget revenue comes from state and federal taxes, which it expects to be delayed and that real estate taxes will be delayed. It can’t borrow money against incoming tax revenues, and it can’t default on a $7.1 million loan payment due at the beginning of June.
Furloughing 277 employees will save the county about $717,000 per month, according to the news release. County commissioners identified the employees by asking elected officials and department heads which positions were needed to do “life sustaining and mission critical” work.
The furloughs are effective Saturday.
Earlier this week, Dauphin County announced it was furloughing more than 160 employees.
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