Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
TOOELE — They call it "restructuring," but what it really means is another round of layoffs in Tooele County.
Twenty-three people who work with the county's parks and recreation and maintenance departments were laid off Tuesday. County administrators said the layoffs are needed because of the mandatory budget cuts in federal government money they were expecting to receive.
This isn't the first round of layoffs for Tooele County. In August 2012, 22 employees were laid off; another 22 were let go in November of the same year. Now every worker at the Deseret Peak Complex, except for the facility's director, has been laid off.
"I have four kids. This is my livelihood. It pays my health insurance. It gives me my house," Scott Chance said, fighting back tears.
Chance has spent the past 12 years working at Deseret Peak. Tuesday afternoon, he learned that March 9 will be his last day on the job.
"It's gut-wrenching," Chance said.
Deseret Peak has been a destination for recreation and entertainment for years. The complex includes everything from swimming pools and soccer fields to museums and miniature golf.
Tooele County resident Valerie Catten has been riding horses at the complex with with her children since they were young. She was also saddened by the news.
"It will hurt us. As far as indoor facilities, there aren't a lot of them," she said. "It's extremely disappointing."
Every year, more than 50,000 people use the complex. Tooele County spokesman Wade Matthews said almost all services will be cut.
"Only activities that won't cost the county any money will be conducted right now," Matthews said.
Remaining activities will be run by temporary or part-time workers. Laid-off employees will receive two weeks' severance pay and have been asked to apply for temporary services.
"They told me I can have a temporary job working for a staffing agency for about nine or 10 bucks an hour, and no benefits," Chance said.
While he's already looking for permanent employment, Chance said he plans to continue his work at the complex until his shift ends this weekend.
Meanwhile, KSL News spoke with the director at Deseret Peaks. He said he will spend the next 30 days assessing the bare minimum services that can continue with part-time employees.
