NHC layoffs made, county saves $1.5 million

Twenty-seven New Hanover employees were let go Tuesday.

Manager Bruce Shell met with the heads of county departments to discuss the layoffs this morning.

The layoffs are part of a larger effort to make up the county’s $12 million budget deficit.

The total salaries of the affected employees is more than $1.5 million dollars.

We had expected to hear more details regarding who was laid off today, and from what departments, but Shell wanted to protect the employees.

The county has already frozen 45 positions, cut travel expenses, and won’t replace 42 employees who opted for early retirement.