Well, the sales tax that was to be our savior turned out to be a flop. So now all the employees of Helena-West Helena are wondering, now what? We’d been told by Mayor Valley that if the tax passed we’d be fine, but that if it didn’t we’d lose a few people and take a pay cut.
A large number of city employees attended tonight’s meeting only to learn that, not only can our beloved elected officials not plan a budget properly, they can’t come up with a fall back plan either. After two hours of jaw jacking the end result is another meeting to be held next week. It’s nuts. Everyone who was sitting at that table tonight knows they’re going to have to either cut a few positions and lower everyone’s salary a bit, or keep everyone and lower everyone’s salary a bunch. Problem is, they’re all politicians which means they’re spineless and are not going to make a decision that involves laying off anyone or lowering anyone’s salary.
My advice? Suck it up and lay off some folks. Heck, I’d rather be laid off and drawing an unemployment check at 80% of my wages than working full time drawing a paycheck of only 85%. It’s worth that 5% just to get my 40+ hours a week back from the city.
Doesn’t matter though. I’ll be turning in my resignation shortly, as soon as I type it up. I’m ready to blow this joint. Panama City here I come!!! Maybe I can get a job as a bouncer at Coyote Ugly or Club La Vela. 
