By Jon Seidel, Post-Tribune staff writer
GARY -- Calumet Township Trustee Mary Elgin laid off 17 employees Friday, weeks after her board approved the 2009 budget she trimmed by $3.8 million.
However, the trustee said she doesn't plan to lay off any more full-time employees when the new budget goes into effect, reducing anticipated layoffs by about 20 workers.
"We will probably be able to survive," Elgin said.
New property tax laws are likely to force a $5.6 million 2009 budget cut in Calumet Township, according to a state report.
Elgin is hoping to find a way to make up the $1.8 million difference by tapping into her township's rainy day fund and seeking relief from the state's distressed unit appeal board.
To help meet the state's guidelines, Elgin is reducing her workforce and closing the township's south office on Ridge Road.
The Calumet Township Board voted unanimously to approve the 2009 budget last month, though members Alex Cherry and Clorius Lay said Monday they didn't understand the need for immediate layoffs.
"Everyone should be funded for the balance of the year," Cherry said.
Despite voting in favor of the budget, Lay said he expects the state will eventually force Elgin to cut her spending even further next year.
"She's going to be forced to reallocate the dollars in the budget," Lay said.