NH Co. Shuffles to Fill Gaps

By Catherine M. Welch

Wilmington, NC – New Hanover County officials say they have restructured and eliminated some departments as part of the staff cuts that came to reduce a projected $12 million budget shortfall for next year.

Through lay offs, early retirement, or vacant openings, the county will run with 114 fewer employees starting July 1st. To compensate, the county has consolidated its Emergency Management department with the department that runs 911.

The county is also eliminating the Human Relations Department, which investigates claims of discrimination for housing or employment. Human Relations Director Carl Byrd will move over to Human Resources and continue to investigate discrimination claims.

And the county library will be open fewer hours, starting July first. Remaining New Hanover County employees will also take ten unpaid days of leave.

The county says a drop in sales tax and construction-related revenue contributed to the budget shortfall.

Where the Jobs Went
27 employees laid off
45 employees took early retirement
42 positions frozen before layoff and early retirement announced

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