Scranton Pa. Police paid minimum wage

[Clipper]

now.msn.com/money/0708-police-fire-scranton-minimum-wage.aspx

Wow, I wonder what sort of enthusiastic response one gets when they call for police or fire department assistance in THAT city.

Utica's cuts don't seem quite so radical or extreme after reading this article.

I will never understand why the first thing to be cut in ANY austerity situation is Police and Fire department positions and funding. I noticed that the teachers in Utica held onto their raises and threw many of their coworker's jobs under the bus out of sheer greed instead.

[clarencebunsen]

In other reports, the mayor cut the wages of all city employees including his own to $7.25/hour. I would guess it's probably illegal. If there is not enough cash in the account to make payroll bankruptcy & a control board are required.

Wasn't it about a year ago that the state of California issued IOUs instead of paychecks?

[Clipper]

I would assume that you are correct Clarence. If there is any union representation and a contract involved, it will land in the courts and they will probably be paid back pay plus interest and any damages brought about by the action of the mayor, and the city will be penalized at some point.