[Source: Scott Wong, Arizona Republic] — Phoenix City Manager Frank Fairbanks told city employees on Thursday that they have the option to take unpaid days off through Dec. 31 to help the city save money. Voluntary furlough days reduce an employee’s take-home pay and annual wages. Supervisors are being encouraged to approve the days off as long as they don’t interfere with city business.
“I am proud that our employees and unions are looking for innovative ways to assist their co-workers and our community by reducing the budget deficit during this difficult time,” Fairbanks wrote in an e-mail to city employees. His announcement comes as Phoenix prepares to slash an estimated $250 million, or more than 20%, from the budget because of the sagging economy and declining city tax revenues.
Downtown Voices Coalition 