NCDOT furloughs top-level executives to spare other workers

According to NCDOT leaders, less travel on North Carolina roads and stay-at-home orders have translated to a big cut in gas tax collections and fees from car sales, adding up to $300 million in projected revenue losses through June.

The NCDOT said the entire department will be furloughed in phases, starting with executive-level management, but there's a chance not all employees will have to cut hours. The phasing will help the DOT make decisions as the furloughs happen and make adjustments if necessary.

On Saturday, executive leadership started furloughs, and the next level of management will take the same steps next week. If necessary, the rest of the 9,000-employee workforce will be furloughed starting May 30.

NCDOT Secretary Eric Boyette said he hopes rank-and-file employees can be spared this burden.

Coronavirus means rough road ahead for NCDOT

The department has not made a decision regarding furloughs for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, but its already put more than $2 billion in road and bridge projects on hold to save money.

“Our employees are committed and dedicated which makes this decision so difficult,” said Boyette.

NCDOT officials say they continue to look for other ways to reduce spending.

“We began furloughs with executive staff as leadership must begin at the top,” said Boyette. “My hope is that we identify ways to replace lost revenue so that rank and file employees are never furloughed. “