Dozens of city employees in West Palm Beach opt for buyout

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla - Dozens of city employees in West Palm Beach may have saved countless others their jobs. 

Monday was the deadline for workers to sign up for the city's latest buyout plan.  The plan, designed to help relieve the city of its $20 million shortfall, gives employees the option to quit with a severance package that includes 3 months of full pay and 6 months of full health coverage.

According to the city's spokesperson, at least 56 employees have signed up for the program.  The number of workers participating is more than what mayor Lois Frankel, expected.

"56, we're surprised given how terrible the job market is," she said Monday.

As a result, Frankel believes the money being saved will help balance the city's budget and save jobs by not having to enforce layoffs. "We still have some negotiating to do with the police and general employees union, but I would say the people who are here, they're jobs are safe.  That's a great statement, I'm happy to say it."

The list of employees quitting under the buyout range from 4 police officers to a fire lieutenant., a city clerk to community events supervisor, Joe Piazza.  After 4 years with the city, Piazza, is ready to take his event planning to a new level as a concert promoter.  He says, the city's buyout is letting him take the leap.

"This is something I've wanted to work on, it gives me the chance to do it.  I'm not laying myself off, I'm giving myself the career objectives and goals I'm going to meet," Piazza said.

Employees have one week to change their minds, once they've signed up for the program.  A new budget goes into effect October 1st.