(Binghamton, NY) -- The Broome County Legislature on Thursday approved Resolution 32-2, which will reduce salaries of 64 County employees by 5% or more. This resolution was submitted by County Executive Debbie Preston.

The salary cuts will affect 64 County employees who serve "at the pleasure of the County Executive," according to the Broome County Charter.  The salary adjustments will take place immediately.

"Our employees work hard and we genuinely value their service, but the County isn’t immune to the economic downturn" said Preston, who made the pledge to cut salaries during her 2011 campaign.

"Salaries and benefits in the public sector need to more closely reflect what is available in the private sector," she said. "Taxpayers in Broome County are hurting and we need to provide some relief to lessen the burden."

The total savings to County taxpayers equals $364,565.17; this includes $287,172.25 in straight salary reductions and $77,392.92 in associated benefits.

"My salary and the salaries of everyone in my office are included in the 5% reduction," said Preston. "As Department Heads and appointees we should lead by example. This is the first step in looking at every dollar spent and every budget line. Everything is on the table," she went on to say.

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