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Last updated 5:08 am CT February 09, 2010.
Fifty Prison Layoffs Expected in Vienna
Prisons are a huge part of the economy in Johnson County. So when layoff notices went out Tuesday, workers weren't the only ones upset by the news.
You can't underestimate the affect that job cuts at the prison will have on life on Main Street.
"It's humongous," said Kim Carrel, a Vienna resident for more than forty-five years. "Just about everybody in this town knows somebody that works out there. So, you know, it's devastating all the layoffs that [are] going to happen."
Folks don't just feel for friends and neighbors who will fall on hard times, they know local businesses will be hurt too.
Kelly Harper runs the local Ford dealership. He's also the President of the Johnson County Chamber of Commerce.
"You're going to take 50 people out of the market area. For us retailers, that's fifty of the best buyers that there is."
In a place where everyone seems to know at least a little bit about what goes on at prisons, folks like Harper are also concerned about the safety of workers who get to keep their jobs.
"I have a lot of customers that work out there and they're telling me now they don't have enough man power now. To take fifty away...it won't work," Harper said.
"I'm just glad I don't have to work in that situation myself because it's going to be very dangerous," said Rodney Williams, a retired Department of Corrections worker.
There will also be layoffs at the East Moline, Lincoln, Logan, Decatur and Vandalia prisons.
Smith says corrections department officials hope the layoffs will save the state $125 million, helping to close a statewide budget deficit of $11.6 billion.
By Dana Jay
djay@wsiltv.com
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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