10 Troy Police Officers Receive Layoff Notices

TROY (WWJ) - Ten officers in the Troy Police department received layoff notices, Tuesday. Troy Police Chief Gary Mayer said the layoffs come as the Department has failed to reach an agreement for a 10-percent concession from its police officers.

There is a chance the layoffs could be avoided if the cops agree to a pay cut. Command officers and other non-sworn police personnel have already agreed to the cuts.

"The current budget challenges have deeply impacted the City, its employees, and its residents.  We have engaged in a process aimed at cutting costs through a variety of means in every area of service the City offers," said Troy City Manager,  John Szerlag, in a statement.

"While deep budget cuts are necessary and will remain a reality going forward, like Chief Mayer, I remain optimistic we will arrive at an agreement with the Police Officers Association such that these notices can be recalled," he said.

Troy resident Don Gusse isn't too worried.

"I think that there's enough police. I'm concerned more about the jobs. Without jobs, there's gonna be less police. So, once we get the economy back and the jobs back, I think the police will follow," he said.

Other residents speaking to WWJ say paycuts are a fact of life at this time and the city needs to balance the budget.

If no deal is made, the layoffs will take effect July 8, which is in effect the day before the first pay period in the upcoming budget year.