Troy giving layoff notices to ten police officers

TROY (AP) -- Troy is seeking concessions from police as a way to avoid cutting 10 officers who have been given layoff notices because of a serious budget shortfall, the Detroit suburb announced Tuesday. "We have engaged in a process aimed at cutting costs through a variety of means in every area of service the city offers," said City Manager John Szerlag. The notices issued Tuesday are effective July 8, while negotiations continue toward a possible concessions agreement with the Troy Police Officers Association, Troy said in a prepared statement. It said the city says it's seeking a 10 percent concessions agreement by July 1. "I remain confident that the ongoing negotiations with the Police Officers Association will be successful and these notices can be recalled," police Chief Gary Mayer said. In a statement to The Oakland Press of Pontiac, Union President Michael Geise said his group "is actively attempting to negotiate changes" to a contract that expires in July 2013. "We are confident these changes will result in cost savings to the City of Troy and will also ensure the recall of the layoff notices," Geise said. The layoff notices are for officers with two to five years on the force. Published: Thu, Jun 23, 2011