Today is final day of work for 28 county employees

By Christian Hill | The Olympian • Published December 31, 2008

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Thurston County has eliminated more than 80 full-time-equivalent jobs to cut costs, and today is the last day of work for 28 employees.

One other employee, who works in the treasurer's office, will stay on until March 31. The remaining reductions stem from jobs being left unfilled.

The majority of employees were notified of the pending layoff in September and October.

"We tried as hard as possible to give people as much notice as we could," said Diana Townsend, the county's human resources manager.

Laid-off county workers can cash out their accrued vacation and their names will be placed on a rehire list, meaning they have the first crack at county job openings if they meet the qualifications, Townsend said.

One of the laid-off employees is Sadie Davidson, who responds to certain animal complaints in the unincorporated area and provides parking lot security at the Thurston County Courthouse.

In 2003, Thurston County cut its financial contribution to Animal Services.

As a result, Animal Services officers stopped responding to reports in the unincorporated area of loose animals or barking dogs, or declaring a dog as dangerous if it bites or kills another animal. They continue to respond to reports of menacing dogs and animal cruelty.

Commissioners created the position three years later to take the calls and complete the administrative work to declare a dangerous dog.

"We will be losing that, and it's definitely a loss we're feeling," said Susanne Beauregard, director of Animal Services. "It going to get worse in the springtime with calving and lambing."

Davidson couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday.

Today is the last day of work for Cheri Johnson, who worked 23 years as an administrative assistant in the Thurston County Parks Department. Among her tasks, she answers phones, takes reservations for picnic shelters and serves as the staff liaison to the parks board.

She received her notice in November. She was shocked and angry and realizes how much she'll miss her co-workers and friends.

"The county is family. I really feel that," she said. "After 23 years, you know someone in every department."

She said she's going to take some time to consider her next move.

"It's been a really downer for everyone," she said of the mood of county workers in the wake of the cutbacks and layoffs.