City of Naperville notifies police union of layoffs

The City of Naperville has determined it is necessary to eliminate seven police officer positions in order to assist in balancing the FY12 budget. The city will not raise taxes or implement new revenues to pay for the police raises in a recent consent award approved by an arbitrator on the eve of arbitration. Of the seven positions, six are current police officers and were notified of the layoffs today. The union agreement requires that the most junior officers be laid off.

“We regret that this action is necessary, and we express sympathy for each of the officers who will lose their jobs. They are all great police officers and I wish them the best,” said Police Chief David Dial. “The layoffs have been accomplished through a reorganization of the department and service modifications. The police department will continue to respond to all emergency calls in an expeditious manner,” Dial continued.

Over the past two years, the city has implemented reductions in force in order to balance budgets. Currently, the city projects a deficit for the next fiscal year of at least $5 million. The city will continue to look at cost cutting measures in order to balance next year's budget through a series of council workshops.

“While the layoffs are unfortunate, it should not be a surprise to anyone,” said City Manager Doug Krieger. “We have emphasized our financial condition at the bargaining tables and we have asked all unions to join our efforts to balance the budget. The city's declining revenues require unions to understand this is not a time for wage increases.”