Houston Public Works saw more than 300 employees retire through voluntary program

In an effort to reduce the city’s $330 million budget shortfall and save costs, 1,070 employees accepted Mayor John Whitmire’s voluntary retirement program. The one-time voluntary retirement option provides both financial support and continued access to health care benefits for employees who accepted the offer, according to previous Community Impact reporting.

The breakdown

Of the 3,047 eligible employees offered the retirement option, 1,070 accepted the offer, according to data from the Mayor’s office. Finance Director Melissa Dubowski said the program is expected to save the city $30 million.

Houston Public Works had the most employees accept the retirement offer, with 342 of its 977 eligible employees. Houston Public Works is responsible for treating the city’s water and repaving Houston streets. HPW’s Director Randy Macchi said the department is expected to rehire “critical frontline positions,” but didn't specify what those positions were.

General Services saw the highest percentage of eligible employees, 62%, accept the retirement incentive. General Services is responsible for the maintenance, construction and security for more than 300 city facilities, according to the department’s website.

More details

The IT department also had 19 of 55 eligible employees accept the offer.

Lisa Kent, the director for Houston Information Technology Services, said during the department’s budget workshop May 15 that voluntary retirement is hurting the IT organization and that the department will have to rehire critical positions, but didn't specify what those positions were.

The Houston Parks and Recreation had 72 of 182 eligible employees accept the offer.

Kenneth Allen, the director of Houston Parks and Recreation, said during the department’s budget workshop May 16 that budget reductions and retirements will lead to longer mowing cycles and reductions in security and patrols in parks.