All Amador County Employee Units have agreed to participate in the 36 hour work week plan, which results in 10 percent unpaid furlough for employees.

The combined effect of this 10 percent reduction in employees' pay has allowed the county to avoid laying off a proposed 26 positions. While all employees, including law enforcement, have agreed to take 4 unpaid hours of furlough time each week, county services, including public safety, will not be jeopardized or degraded.

The board of supervisors along with the county administrative officer and elected officials expressed their appreciation to all employees for the unity they have shown.

"It is a great example of our most senior employees reaching out to protect those who are less senior within each Unit," said Board Chairman Ted Novelli.

Since March 2007, the county has been taking steps to prepare for this economic downturn. Included was a soft hiring freeze, then a hard hiring freeze, an early retirement incentive program, a voluntary layoff incentive and the layoff of six positions earlier this year. As a result of those measures, the county has reduced its workforce by almost 20 percent from a high of 460 to the current 374 employees.

"The real effect of layoffs is far reaching," said CAO Terri Daly. "There is the loss for the individual and their families and the effect on the community as a whole, including businesses. As an employer, layoffs represent the loss of valuable assets. Employees, who have been hired, trained and have gained valuable experience within the organization, are a very costly resource to shed. I appreciate the board of supervisors leading the way in this cost-cutting effort by reducing their own salaries."

"We also thank the community for supporting county employees in this effort," said Chairman Novelli. "This 36-hour week will pose an inconvenience to the public and we appreciate their understanding and cooperation during these very tough times."

Future adjustments to the budget will be made when the state's budget is complete. "At that time we will revisit our budget and make cuts or adjustments as needed," Daly said.

Details for specific departments or buildings are available on the county's Web site at www.co.amador.ca.us.