Peekskill Police, Fire Departments to Avoid Layoffs in 2013

There will be no layoffs within the police and fire departments next year, according to Peekskill Mayor Mary Foster.

Two uniformed Peekskill police officers in management positions and one person in the Peekskill fire department took the early retirement incentive offered by the city last month.

Another position in the police department that became open due to the death of an officer earlier this month. That position is being left vacant.

Foster said the city firefighters department also agreed to give back a portion of their holiday time, salary and other benefits to the city. That move eliminated the need for another layoff in the department.

Acting City Manager Brian Havranek’s  $35.6 million budget proposal for 2013 would cut 31 full-time jobs, seven which are currently vacant, and nine part-time jobs in the city. The police force would have gone from 57 to 54 officers and the fire department would have lost two positions under Havranek’s proposal.

In all, a total of 11 city employees opted for the incentive. Employees who take the early retirement package receive $500 for every year worked, with a maximum cap of $12,000.

The city’s Common Council is scheduled to show its revisions to  Havranek’s budget during tonight’s meeting. The meeting is scheduled to begin 7:30 p.m. at city hall, located on 840 Main St. in Peekskill.