DECC plans $1 million in payroll cuts

If I was on the board I would agree with both Pat and Peter. I would also add a question to Dan:

Have you reached out to each employee asking them where they see some cost saving measures? From this piece, which isn’t an inside look, it feels like management is working in the past. Asking folks on the floor where improvements can happen is difficult but can build trust and provide some insights on where costs are poor. Do the hard thing possibly.

How can a board member know this unless they actually work there? Also, Dan is rather new to the scene so ask YOUR employees a question or two before you cut them. Let them be a part of the team.

I love it when the workers that do as they are told are the ones that get the boot for doing so. Layoff the poor decision-makers first and bring in better ones. What’s preventing the DECC from implementing new cost saving measures? Is there something preventing it?

I still wonder why the previous director, Chelly Townsend, just disappeared from the DECC after so many years of service. Then our next mayor, more than likely, was brought in, then Dan gets hired about 9 months later. Feels like some serious issues have been bouncing around this overbuilt entity.

Also, can the DECC get loans from banks? If so, why didn’t our councilors and mayor ask if they tried other funding sources? Why is it the City they ask first, when we are surviving on the state welfare system called Local Government Aid? The mayor and others are so proud when we get more welfare. They spend a lot of time getting more. The DECC should seek and share their results with the city before we bail them out. We have our own issues.

Put an electronic sign on the outside of the building facing the freeway stating the event schedule. Simple. How do visitors know what is happening at the DECC? Have local business sponsor the installation. I also agree wholeheartedly with ASK THE EMPLOYEES!!! Duh. Also, is Dan taking a pay cut as a demonstration of unity? He needs to. Could a percentage of all pay be cut to retain employees? See Marvin Windows’ plan. Thank you, Duluth Monitor, for bringing the real news. I have suggested this to the DECC twice before with no response.