Troubled W. Pa. city lays off 9, plus police dog

[September 30, 2010]  JEANNETTE, Pa. (AP) -- The financial situation is so bad in one western Pennsylvania city that even its police dog has been laid off. Jeannette City Council on Tuesday voted to lay off nine workers of the city's 47 workers effective Oct. 5.

They include three of the city's 12 police, including Officer Justin Scalzo who handles the city's drug-sniffing dog, Wando.

Police Chief Brad Shepler said the layoffs come at a time when the city is seeing a boom in drug trafficking. Shepler's department is also losing its two meter maids and a secretary.

The other layoffs involved trash collectors and public works employees.

The city has a projected $440,000 budget shortfall. Some of the workers could be called back if finances improve.

[Associated Press]

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