Baltimore DPW says there will be no layoffs in fiscal 2027
The agency says it is eliminating obsolete and vacant positions in its utility divisions that will not reduce the workforce
Above: Entrance to DPW’s Back River Plant that treats regional wastewater. (Mark Reutter)
The Department of Public Works told The Brew today there will be no layoffs among in its water and wastewater workforce in coming months.
The department’s preliminary budget for fiscal 2027, released last week, indicated that 204 positions would be trimmed from its three utility units – wastewater (100 positions), water (91 positions) and stormwater (13 positions) – leading to fears of widespread layoffs.
In fact, the utility is eliminating 144 positions that “no longer align with current operational needs while creating modern, specialized roles to support a more efficient and sustainable workforce,” DPW said.
DPW’s 2027 budget shows a workforce reduction in its three utility units. (Bureau of the Budget and Management Research)
Many of the positions to be abolished are currently vacant and have been open for more than three years.
“No layoffs or terminations are associated with these changes,” the agency stressed, saying that it is “coordinating” with AFSCME Local 44 about future personnel changes.
Local 44 President Stancil McNair said that, as of yesterday, he had gotten no information from the administration to counter the rumored layoffs.
“I’m trying to find out what’s going on. It hasn’t been exactly transparent,” he said.
Purging unneeded and vacant positions is part of DPW’s workforce strategy that includes internships, apprenticeships and other development programs to make sure that its water filtration and sewage facilities are staffed by fully trained, licensed personnel.
“This supports long-term succession planning and helps ensure staffing meets the evolving needs of a modern utility,” it said.