Mineola, NY- Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi today called for approximately 12.5% reduction in the county's workforce, representing 1200 employees, by September 1, 2003 to help close an anticipated $428 million budget gap. "We are working night and day on the four year plan that must be delivered to NIFA by April 1," stated the County Executive. "We are in the midst of a very difficult process and each and every department in the county will share the pain."

"Regardless of what happens in any other element of the budget process: debt restructuring, labor concession, revenue raising or departmental initiatives, I have determined that this workforce reduction will be a necessary element of our four-year plan," continued County Executive Suozzi.

The county is expecting to save a total of $100 million annually through workforce reduction. This will be accomplished through early retirement, natural attrition, the employee evaluation process and hopefully will not require layoffs. "We believe most of the reduction will come from early retirement based on historic data and current demographics," stated Suozzi. "I am traveling to Albany tomorrow to meet with the Governor, Speaker, and Majority Leader to seek an early retirement package this April instead of waiting until the fall."

"These reductions will affect all areas of Nassau County government," continued the County Executive. "This will bring the County workforce to historic lows based on current operations, from approximately 9500 employees down to approximately 8300. We will do our best with less. By reorganizing departments, improving technology, consolidating buildings, implementing performance evaluations and working more efficiently, we will continue to deliver essential services to county residents at far less cost."