Overland Park reduces work force by 61 positions

Facing declining revenues of about $70 million over five years, Overland Park city administrators eliminated 61 positions Thursday, Jan. 28, including 42 that were occupied, the city announced.

“The local economy continues to struggle, and the city is not immune to the downturn. Our five-year financial forecast, which we annually update, shows a significant decrease in revenue growth for both sales and property taxes,” said City Manager John Nachbar.

“Today, we implemented a Reduction in Force Plan to help contain costs,” Nachbar said. “In addition to this effort, we reduced other long-term expenses to make up for the $70 million shortfall. Other reorganization efforts will be ongoing.

“By acting and addressing the revenue shortfall in 2009 and today, we minimize interruption to key city services,” Nachbar said.

Critical city services are being maintained including police, fire and ambulance.
Of the 61 positions eliminated, 55 were full-time, and the others were part-time positions equivalent to six full-time positions.

Since 2009, Overland Park has shed 87.6 full-time equivalent positions. Overall, the city work force has been decreased by 8.1 percent or 12.5 percent of the non-public-safety staff. Positions related to development were reduced by 25 percent.

In January 2003, Overland Park eliminated about 40 positions to make up for a projected $25 million loss over five years.

“Many large and small Overland Park corporations have undertaken cost-cutting efforts during one of the nation’s worst recessions. Projections for a slow recovery will continue to force us and others to be vigilant and innovative as we retool municipal operations,” Nachbar said.

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