Town manager, police officers among reductions

Delaware State News

CAMDEN — Camden has let six town employees go, including the town manager, citing the struggling economy and a lack of revenue from development and growth.

Donald H. Mulrine Jr., the town manager, was let go along with two clerical workers, a public works employee and two police officers, said Camden Mayor Robert A. Mooney.

The move will free up more than $100,000, keeping the town within its budget, he said.

"These are very trying times," Mayor Mooney said. "The only thing we can do is reduce our overall cost of manpower."

Revenue is down about as much as 70 percent from recent years, he said. The money generated by real estate transfer taxes has plummeted because no one is buying, selling or building any houses, Mayor Mooney said.

Mayor Mooney said he recognizes the hardship on those who lost their jobs, but said he is doing everything in his power to keep from raising taxes and doesn’t foresee the need to do so.

"Acquiring money from the townspeople would be unfair," he said. "It would just put a greater burden on those who are already struggling."

The town had forecast more growth and development than it is experiencing, Mayor Mooney said.

As an example, he cited Tidbury Crossing, a residential development off Lochmeath Way, near the Lowe’s in Camden. It has houses on less than a third of its plots; by this time, the town had anticipated it would be at least half complete.

"In past years, when development was booming, Camden would generate upwards of $3 million in revenue," Mayor Mooney said. "But with the economic downturn it has dropped considerably."

He said larger towns like Dover could raise rates on utilities, such as electricity and water, to offset personnel costs. But Camden does not supply utilities and is forced to cut back on personnel.

"Everyone’s belt is tightening," Mayor Mooney said. "I want to make things work without raising taxes. It’s the hardships of the people I sit up thinking about at night."