Consolidation results in job losses at reservoir
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
The need to find additional money for upkeep of infrastructure led the United States Army Corps of Engineers to consolidate area offices in the Tulsa District, according to Ross Adkins, public relations officer. The district encompasses 38 lakes in three states.
"We're trying to get the most absolute bang for the buck," Adkins said.
Instead of 11 area offices, there now are five. The office at Marion Reservoir no longer is an area office. The hub office is now located at John Redmond Lake, southeast of Emporia. The office oversees eight lakes including Fall River, Marion, Council Grove, El Dorado, John Redmond, Toronto, Elk City, and Big Hill.
As part of the consolidation plan, employees were offered incentives to retire early. Former area manager Bruce Padgham and head maintenance man Francis Jirak accepted the offer.
Other employees received notices June 9 regarding their employment status.
Joan Winter's administrative assistant job at the Marion office has been transferred to the John Redmond office. To keep her job, she would have to commute there to work but is hoping to make arrangements to spend several days a week at the Marion office.
Maintenance worker John Fredrickson will be working for the hub office but may be allowed to stay at Marion, Winter said. He also can be sent elsewhere. Mike Knak will remain as head maintenance man at Marion.
Adkins noted the three ranger positions were not affected. Terry Holt, Neal Whitaker, and Tracy Robb continue to be stationed at Marion Reservoir. Holt no longer is designated "lake manager." He now is "lead ranger." Lake management has shifted to the Council Grove Lake office.
Winter is upset because, in addition to a change in office location, her position has been demoted one level, resulting in a cut in pay.
"Administrative assistants are the only employees who took a cut," she said.
She noted she has until June 28 to make a decision on whether or not to remain with the job.
