WELCH, W.Va. — The McDowell County Commission laid off eight workers this week to pay overtime it owes to sheriff’s deputies.
Commissioners said the layoffs would save the county $150,000 and they’ve said there may have to be more furloughs.
Sheriff Martin West has complained for several months about his budget being short of funds to pay overtime to his deputies. West was giving comp time but eventually halted the practice.
The county commission met in executive session Wednesday and notified the county employees of the layoffs Thursday in their final paychecks.
Among those laid off were assistant county administrator Clif Moore, regional jail coordinator Jerry Stepp, public relations director Cathy Patton and grant coordinator Frances Hale. The commission also furloughed two maintenance workers and two custodians.