Prichard Slashes Jobs, Cuts Budget

Seventeen Prichard city employees are the latest casualty in a struggling economy.

Mayor Ron Davis announced the layoffs during a press conference Tuesday morning, saying "We are definitely experiencing some shortfalls here in the city of Prichard."

Davis said among the cuts are 10 jobs from the public works department, two jobs from the city's golf course, and one from each of the following: maintenance, community development, information technology and parks and recreation.

The city will also eliminate an administrative position in the police department, moving Major Pat Mitchell to the Mayor's office where he will serve as Chief of Staff. The current chief of staff will become and economic development officer.

"This is something we have been agonizing over," said Councilman Herman Towner, who represents District 1.

In addition to the layoffs, Mayor Davis also announced a shift next month to a ten hour/ four day work week for all city employees except for police and fire personel. There will also be a reduction in the number of "take home" cars, though the Mayor says he will keep his own.

The cuts are expected to save the city $540,000 out of their $12.5 million budget.

The layoffs will be effective February 27th.