By Josh Resnek
A series of firings, layoffs and reassignments have rocked Everett City government early this week.
In a variety of moves approved by the mayor, and apparently orchestrated and carried out by Human Resources, the city’s Chief financial officer Eric Demas and the mayor’s city hall staff, between 25-30 city employees have been fired, laid-off or reassigned.
The effort is to save $1 million to be consistent with the city budget requirements which must be fulfilled.
The city’s cash needs are up. Income hasn’t risen to make up for shortfalls.
The Leader Herald reached out to the mayor for a rundown of all the changes made Monday afternoon.
The mayor’s office does not communicate with the Leader Herald and did not return our request for information.
This we know, from a variety of sources, including some of those involved.
Only non-union job holders were affected by the mayor’s moves.
Former Councilor Frank Nuzzo was apparently let go from his ISD position.
Ed Mastrocola of the city’s 911 call center was let go.
Steve Supino of the Wellness Center was reassigned to a weekend position as a city problem solver.
Parking Clerk Joanne Gregory was let go.
City Property Manager Vincent Ragucci was let go.
Tina Sousa, a chef at the Armory was let go.
One of the mayor’s close aids and advisors Jerry Navarro has left his position in the mayor’s office. He has been transferred to the Connolly Center.
The city’s chief librarian has resigned.
Some of those let go were apparently promised jobs at the casino which have not yet materialized.
Others described having to explain news of their terminations to loved ones as “difficult” to “impossible.”
The firings and layoffs come two months before the planned opening of the city’s financial savior, the Wynn Resorts, Encore casino and hotel development.
A city hall employee familiar with Monday’s round of firings and musical chairs blamed last year’s extra funding of School Department overruns as the real culprit.
“That won’t happen again,” said the city official.
The mayor, his chief financial officer, and the majority of the city council have all agreed – there will be no extra money for the School Department as in the past.
There is the hope if the city can continue to underfund the School Department, it will have more money to hire more people and the firings and layoffs such as those made Monday will not have to continue to bring spending line with expenditures and income.