By Pepper Parr
January 11th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The City today released data on the impact COVID19 has had on city hall
Thirteen people have become infected by the virus; City Manager Tim Commisso said that all 13 cases have been resolved. There was no detail on whether any of the 13 had to be admitted to hospital ā just that they had been resolved.
There have been staff layoffs ā particularly at the school crossing guard level.
196 people have been laid off; 290 jobs have reduced hours and 68 people were asked to put in additional hours.
City Manager Tim Commisso said that some of the people who were laid off have advised the city that they are looking for work elsewhere and may not be able to return to the city.
Staff morale has been impacted.
Council learned that 700 hours of work were required to get the provincial lockdown in place and that it will probably take that much to get back to what was once the lick down is lifted..
The reality that the restaurant and hospitality sectors have been dealing with for months has made its way to city hall.
HOW DOES THE LICK DOWN WORK?
The “lick down”!!!??? Oh My š
I’d like to see a list of potential (ideally short term /1 budget cycle) cost saving actions/measures the city is “studying” to reduce the impact on tax increases for the upcoming year(s). ie: I dont see anyone on city buses anymore , maybe we cant cut the grass as often and perhaps some boulevards wont get flowers this year, but I’m unemployed and cant afford any more tax increases (or a carbon tax)