Metro Parks Tacoma Furloughs 85 Employees

TACOMA, WA — Furlough notices were sent to 85 Metro Parks Tacoma employees Tuesday as the district braces for the long-term economic impacts of the coronavirus outbreak in Washington.

In a news release, parks officials said they expected to lose as much as $13 million over the next six months, due to lost fees, sales and property tax revenue. Metro Parks said the economic impact of widespread closures and event cancellations are likely to impact operations through the summer.

Metro Parks employees help maintain several popular destinations, including the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Meadow Park Golf Course and a variety of community centers, pools and city parks.

The latest round of staff reductions follows the layoff of 520 part-time employees announced April 1.

"It is heartbreaking to furlough staff whose unwavering passion helps our agency operate at the highest levels," said Shon Sylvia, executive director of Metro Parks Tacoma. "After extensive research into state and federal assistance, this furlough plan is designed to preserve income and benefits while allowing us to keep enough staff on hand to manage essential functions during the closures."

The 85 furlough notices were sent to non-union staff, and the park district has entered into negotiations with the union to request furloughs for 64 union members.

The employees furloughed Tuesday were given a return-to-work date of June 30, but parks officials said some could be called back earlier as they determine what operations will be possible over the summer.

"There are uncertainties at this point, so we are not in a position yet to know the timing for re-opening facilities and restarting programs," Sylvia said. "That's why we expect the duration of furloughs will vary, depending on circumstances."

To help further minimize the projected budget shortfall, Metro Parks said it has reduced pay for managers, cut non-essential utilities and tapped emergency funding from its reserves.