(LEX 18) The director of the health department that covers Rockcastle, Clay, and Jackson Counties has notified employees that they may have to make major layoffs if the state budget passes as is.
Earlier this week, Christie Green delivered a letter to employees at the Cumberland Valley District Health Department.
"It’s been one of the hardest things in my career to anticipate a change like this and to let them know that their jobs might be in jeopardy," said Green.
She let them know that if the state budget passes as is, 45 of the department’s 102 employees will be laid off.
"I appreciate the effort to make that pension sound and one that can continue into the future, however, I’m very concerned at this point about what the current plans mean for our ability to assure the public’s health," said Green.
She said that the state’s budget would mean a big increase in the amount health departments pay towards pensions. Green said that the cuts could hurt some of the health department’s programs like immunizations and WIC.
"I think it’s real sad because there’s not jobs here as it is and that’s going to affect a lot of families and people," said Tammy Wells, who lives in Clay County. She said that the health department needs more resources, not less.
Green said that she is still holding on to the hope that the layoffs won’t be necessary, but she wants to be prepared for everything.
