The coronavirus threat continues to not only tax our healthcare system and our individual mental stability but it's also affecting government services too. Many services have been curtailed or cutback and businesses, even governments are being forced to make some tough decisions.

Such a decision was made at last night's meeting of the St. Martinville City Council. KATC's Chris Welty spoke with members of that council following their meeting via teleconference last night.

The council voted to lay off 27 employees last night and furlough two other employees. Mayor Melinda Mitchell told Welty,

It was a very, very tough decision. We want to do what's best though for the city financially.

The majority of individuals affected by the layoff were part-time employees. There were layoffs in the police department, in city hall, and in the city's maintenance barn. The layoffs were needed to help cover budget shortfalls the city is experiencing because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Mayor Melinda Mitchell suggested in the story penned by Welty that the city was missing out on $40,000 from the gaming sector alone. City officials did express a hope that the cuts and the layoffs would be temporary. However, only time will tell if that is going to be the case.

 

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