New Castle County finalized 5 percent reductions in salary for themselves, row officers and several union and non-union county employees.
Council voted 13-0 at its Tuesday, June 23 meeting in the City/County Building to approve several ordinances dealing with different types of employees.
“The elected officials here and the elected officials of the row offices have all voluntarily agreed to a 5 percent reduction,” Council President Paul Clark (D-Newark).
Councilman John Cartier (D-Penny Hill) said the "real estate depression" that began last fall severely decreased revenues in county government. That forced a tough budget deliberation for 2010, with the county executive calling for shared sacrifice from county employees, he said.
"They all stepped up," Cartier said. "It’s a tough moment, but a proud moment to be working with you. I’m looking forward to better days.”
Included among the ordinances was a 5 percent rollback for police executive staff. The county is still looking to reach an agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police for the rank-and-file officers.
