Hours to be cut at Washington County Workforce office

Jun 25, 2010 — The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

Dave DeWitte

Jun. 25, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Iowa Workforce Development's part-time office in Washington County will cut its hours in half because of a wave of budget-related retirements.

The office at 1201 Industrial Park Dr., Washington, will eliminate Tuesday hours and remain open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays.

Iowa Workforce Development will lose 109 staff members, or 10 percent of its total statewide staff, to retirement Thursday under an early retirement incentive program offered to help balance the state's budget. The Washington County office is the only Workforce Development office in the state that will be forced to reduce its hours because of the cuts, agency spokeswoman Katie Hommer said.

Hommer said the agency will cover the duties of the retiring workers with existing staff to the extent possible at other locations. It expects the changes to be unnoticed by customers.

Not all of the vacancies will be filled, Hommer said. She did not know the number to be left vacant.

The Iowa Workforce Development Center in Iowa City staffs and manages the Washington County office. Brenda Dodge, the agency's Iowa City manager, said three of 14 staff members are retiring. Dodge said hours could be restored at the Washington County office in September after new employees are hired and trained.

Iowa Workforce Development also announced it plans to add veterans services and re-employment services at the Washington County office.

A Veteran's Services Representative will be at the office on the first day of the month. They will help veterans in the transition to a post-military career, and help businesses with employment questions and support services for veteran employees.

Appointments with the veterans representative may be scheduled by contacting Greg Clark at 319351-1035, extension 31320.

Job-seekers may enroll in re-employment workshops by calling Sandy Green at 319-351-1035, Ext. 31309.

-- Comments: (319) 398-8317; david.dewitte@gazcomm.com

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