Reduced work week and layoffs as Georgina looks to save costs in face of coronavirus

Georgina implements 4-day work week with new customer service hours

Yorkregion.com
May 21, 2020
Amanda Persico

The town has been closed to the public since mid-March during the coronavirus pandemic.

The closure has had a significant impact on local residents and businesses, as well as the town itself.

In April the town laid off 48 part-time employees and is now taking further steps to maintain costs during the closure.

The longer the closures continue, the greater the financial burden Georgina faces, said town chief administrative officer David Redden.

“This means we need to put additional measures in place for our business operations,” he said. “We need to be responsible to help mitigate the long-term impact of the pandemic.”

Some of the added cost-savings measures include reducing the town’s non-essential staff work week to four days and delaying the hiring of seasonal staff.

Until July 31, the town’s non-essential staff will work Monday to Thursday, which means new customer service hours for residents.

New customer service hours are Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For after-hours emergencies about animal control, roads, water or wastewater residents are encouraged to call 905-476-4301.

For bylaw infractions, residents can call 905-476-4301 ext 2279. For after hours and on weekends, residents can call 905-476-4301 ext 2281. Residents are encouraged to leave a detailed message, including date, time and location of bylaw infraction.

Along with reducing the work week and laying off 48 employees, the town is also delaying the hiring of about 150 summer and seasonal staff.

Recruitment is also on hold for a number of current vacancies and a number of town staff have been redeployed to support the town’s essential services.

The town is waiving late fees and penalties for 90 days on the April interim property tax bill.

The Civic Centre remains closed to the public until further notice.

For more information, visit georgina.ca/covid-19