West Haven will be effectively closed for business on Friday after city officials decided in early June to furlough most municipal employees for one day.
Public safety workers like police and firefighters will provide normal coverage, but all union and some other staff will not be working.
The furlough day will save taxpayers $73,000, a small amount considering the city’s $8 million budget shortfall.
The furlough was not limited, however, as all of the employees in Mayor Nancy Rossi’s office were also required to take a furlough.
If employees want to be paid for the day they must use either comp or vacation time.
Jimmy Romano, a West Haven resident for 20 years, said because the furlough day takes money out people’s pockets, that provides a downside.
“These guys miss a day’s pay,” Romano said outside city hall. “It’s not good for them. They got families to support, too.”
