On Friday, April 24, the City of Fort Collins announced that it will furlough nearly 600 employees due to the pandemic.

The furloughs will mostly impact part-time and seasonal staff at rec centers and other community centers, which are currently barred from holding classes or programs under the 'Safer-At-Home' order. Specifically, those who were notified include class instructors, lifeguards and stagehands, according to a City of Fort Collins Press Release.

“Extended facility closures combined with expected lost revenues led to the difficult decision,” said City Manager Darin Atteberry. “These are valued colleagues that provide programming and support that enriches our community. They are important members of our City workforce, and my heart goes out to them during this unfortunate and challenging reality.”

City of Fort Collins Press Release

As of this publication, all city employees impacted by the community center closures were guaranteed pay through April 30.

“The reach and impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus is bigger than any of us could have ever imagined,” said City Manager Darin Atteberry. “City revenues have dramatically declined as a result of local business closures, and as we fight to protect the health and safety of our community, we will continue to have to make difficult decisions about the City’s finances, services and workforce. We are carefully monitoring the health of our community and local economy, and I hope to reopen these facilities as soon as it is safe to do so.”

City of Fort Collins Press Release

Decisions to extend or expand the furlough will be made by June 1, and those impacted by it will be offered assistance by the city in navigating their unemployment benefits.

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