10 furlough days likely in DeKalb, except police, firefighters

By Megan Matteucci

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

DeKalb County police officers and firefighters will likely be spared from furloughs, and the courts won’t lose staff.

County commissioners had proposed furlough days for all county employees to help with an $84 million deficit in next year’s budget.

On Tuesday, the commission’s budget committee released a new proposed budget that calls for 10 furlough days for all employees, except police and firefighters. However, all employees – including police and fire – will still not get paid on holidays after March 1.

“This proposal will not eliminate police officers. It will not eliminate firefighters. It will keep the courts running and there will be no tax increase,” Commissioner Larry Johnson said.

Commissioners decided to restore funding to the police and fire departments after officers complaining crime would increase and public safety employees’ safety would be jeopardized.

Commissioners also decided to restore staffing to the courts and public defender’s office after judges and prosecutors complained it would infringe on residents’ constitutional rights.

The commission is scheduled to vote on the final budget on Feb. 23.