Waukesha County top elected officials donate pay as substitute for furloughs

This press release just arrived from Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas:

Many Waukesha County top elected officials announced this week that they will make monetary donations to the Waukesha County general fund equal to two days of their pay in support of the County’s 2010 furlough days.

As part of the County’s 2010 budget, all hourly and salaried Waukesha County employees are required to take two unpaid furlough days.  The donations by the elected officials are a gesture of unity with county employees.

“Donating this pay is the right thing to do,” said County Executive Dan Vrakas.  “During tough budget times, such as those we are currently faced with, it is important to be a cohesive team and do what we can as individuals to support our hard working employees and support Waukesha County.”

The state of the current and forecasted economy necessitates the need for the County furlough program.  Due to the current economic recession and the increasing demand for County services tied to rising unemployment, the furlough days are needed to balance the County budget without compromising service delivery.

The Wisconsin Constitution prohibits elected officials pay from being raised or lowered between elections, so furlough funds could not be withheld from their checks.

“I am glad to be making this donation to Waukesha County,” said Clerk of Circuit Courts, Kathleen Madden.  “We cannot ask our employees to give up pay without doing the same.”

Confirmation of this commitment also has been made by: Register of Deeds Jim Behrend, County Clerk Kathy Nickolaus, Treasurer Pamela Reeves and Sheriff Dan Trawicki. the release said.

The Waukesha County Courthouse and Administration Center will be closed on Monday, Jan. 18^, due to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the furlough day.  Both buildings will reopen Tuesday at 8 a.m.