Layoff Plan Approved

The City Council approved a layoff plan Monday that will eliminate the Office of Economic Development staff that was formerly paid with Urban Enterprise Zone funds.

The 5-1 vote at a special meeting resolves a situation which Corporation Counsel David Minchello said was "not in compliance with law." By denying use of UEZ funds for salaries of the two staff members, the council then had to follow through with submission of a layoff plan to the state Civil Service Commission. On Aug. 19, two council members were absent and another, Vera Greaves, said Monday she did not understand that there was no other funding source for the jobs.

"That's where I misunderstood," Greaves said, though she called it "ridiculous " that after many years of UEZ funding, the salaries were cut.

Gov. Chris Christie shut down the UEZ program and ordered funds turned back to municipalities after state Comptroller Matthew Boxer issued a report that found the program was not effective. It had allowed participating retailers to charge only half the state sales tax, which accumulated in an account that a city could use for special expenses within the zone. Plainfield used its fund to purchase benches, refuse cans, street cleaning equipment and other enhancements in addition to paying for special police, projects and administrative costs.

Now that no more money is coming in, council members decided to focus on projects and not spend $92,000 or more annually on staff salaries.

The layoff plan passed 5-1, with Greaves voting "no" and Tracey Brown, Adrian Mapp, Cory Storch, Rebecca Williams and Council President Bridget Rivers voting "yes." William Reid was absent.

The plan will be reviewed by the Civil Service Commission and the employees affected must receive notice that will bring the timing of the layoffs to mid-November.

--Bernice

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