COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – With indications the COVID-19 pandemic will lead to less funding for local governments, the Branch County Board of Commissioners approved a two month Work Share program for most county employees on Tuesday.
The Commissioners suspended board rules to approve the program since it was not an agenda item for Tuesday’s meeting.
Department heads had already given County Administrator Bud Norman permission to proceed with the program which is designed to save between $100,000 and $150,000 in wages and would be in effect through July.
The Sheriff’s Department will not be taking part and there are about a dozen other departments that would have to check to see if they are eligible to be part of it. Those who do take part would see a total recommended wage reduction of between 20 and 40 percent.
With the Work Share program, a worker receives a reduced weekly salary from an employer but is given a percent of their state unemployment benefits plus an additional $600 through the CARES Act through the end of July. The reduction in work hours must result in an equivalent reduction in wages.
Work Share is designed to help employers bring back employees from unemployment faster. It also allows employers to retain their workforce and avoid layoffs.
