Amador County - Longstanding Public Works Director Larry Petersen became the first of two Amador County employees to volunteer for the county layoff program. The program is part of the county’s continuing efforts to cutback staff and hours in order to meet budget restrictions. Petersen, who has been instrumental in providing oversight on infrastructure maintenance and construction, waste management and land development, accepted the terms of the program early last week. His term will officially last until the end of February. The voluntary layoff program, originally proposed last year by County Administrative Officer Terri Daly, encourages employees approaching retirement in management, confidential and mid-management positions to leave their positions for certain early retirement incentives. Employees who are laid off will be placed on recall lists in case the budget improves. The offer went out to a total of 68 employees. So far, a confidential employee in the board office is the only other person to volunteer. She was immediately rehired in the Social Services Department. “This is a bumping process,” said Terri Daly. She added that “people eliminated from their positions may bump into other positions.” She said she hopes retirements will play a part in this, opening up spots for displaced employees. Daly believes that very few jobs will actually be eliminated and most of the employees who are laid off through the program could be rehired into the Social Services Department, which is expanding. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.