Furloughs are a result of the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic

The City of Boulder today announced it will furlough 737 employees – 175 standard and 562 seasonal and temporary employees – as a result of the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Boulder anticipates lost revenues of at least $28 million, or nearly 10 percent of annual revenue, excluding utility fees, since the Stay at Home order went into effect last month.

The last day of work for furloughed city employees will be April 19. Unpaid administrative leave will begin on April 20 and continue through June 28. The city will pay 100 percent of benefit eligible employees’ healthcare insurance, for individuals and families, through June 30. Decisions to recall staff to active service, extend the furlough, or layoff staff will be made by June 1.

“Like many of our local companies, the city is facing very serious financial impacts as a result of the coronavirus pandemic,” said City Manager Jane Brautigam. “We are significantly reducing non-personnel expenses and canceling or delaying capital improvement projects, but the reality is that the financial impact requires immediate furloughs and may require future layoffs. We are assessing the situation every day; my heart goes out to our employees who have dedicated their service to this community.

Brautigam said the city will continuously evaluate the financial and personnel impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as it moves forward, and changes may need to be made before June 1. “This is an unprecedented situation,” she said. “Unlike a natural disaster or past economic downturns, the duration of this crisis is unknown; the pandemic is impacting every community across the country. It is creating very real financial hardships for businesses and individuals, and there is incredible uncertainty about public health outcomes and our ability to get back to normal.”

Furloughed employees were notified on April 14. While on furlough, individuals may be eligible for unemployment benefits. These individuals may file for unemployment prior to April 20 to expedite the process. Through the CARES Act, the federal government is providing an additional $600 (weekly) in addition to regular unemployment insurance benefits. State unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 benefit are available at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/covid-19-workers.

Published: April 14, 2020

Media Contact:

Patrick von Keyserling, City of Boulder Communication Director, 720-607-2791