Dallas city employees are taking the first of three unpaid furlough days as the city works to address a budget shortfall of more than $30 million. The furloughs apply to the general fund and nonuniform employees and are intended to reduce expenses while preserving jobs and employee health benefits.
Affected City Services
Dallas City Hall and all Dallas Public Library branches will be closed on furlough days. Code compliance and homeless outreach employees are also among those affected. However, critical services, including Dallas police, fire, and 911 operations, will continue without interruption.
Recreation centers, aquatic centers, and pools will remain open on Fridays, but employees at those facilities will take their three furlough days after the school year begins. For other Parks and Recreation employees, including those who maintain sports fields, mow city parks, and perform forestry work, the furlough days have begun.
Harold Pearl, a nine-year Dallas Parks employee, expressed frustration with the unexpected time off, stating he plans to spend the day trying to make some money on the side. The remaining furlough days are scheduled for September 4 and September 28.
Original reporting: Richardson, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
