EAST LANSING, Mich. — In anticipation of additional budget cuts in Fiscal Year 2009-10, East Lansing’s city manager and all East Lansing department heads have voluntarily opted to take five furlough days in the new fiscal year.

In addition, a number of other East Lansing managers and non-union employees have also accepted the option of taking five voluntary furlough days in the new fiscal year. In total to date, 67 East Lansing employees have opted to take the furlough days and it is anticipated that others will decide to take the unpaid leave option as well over the course of the coming weeks.

The five unpaid days will amount to approximately two percent of each employee’s annual salary and will help to reduce City costs.

While the East Lansing City Council has adopted a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2009-10, the uncertainty of the economic climate at the state and national levels has given East Lansing cause to be prepared for additional budget cuts in the coming fiscal year. The voluntary furlough days are just one example of how the City plans to remain in a state of sound financial health in the face of current economic conditions. The City’s prudent financial planning is evidenced by its recent AA+ bond rating and its ability to consistently keep community members’ taxes static.

Service to the community will only be minorly impacted by the furlough days, with the exception of the East Lansing Public Library. The entire library staff will take furlough days, resulting in the closure of the library during five business days throughout the new fiscal year. Those days will be announced at a later date.