ALBURY Council is aiming to keep its nearly 500 full-time workers through the COVID-19 crisis, with its chief executive downplaying the odds of them being forced to take leave without pay.
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Frank Zaknich was asked by councillors at a briefing session on Monday night about the city's staffing state.
"The focus for us...is to keep our people engaged, activated, responsive and connected to the organisation and the best way to do that is to ensure there's work there for them," he said.
"Leave without pay, that's really down the bottom of our priority list."
Some staff have been redeployed with Mr Zaknich pointing to catering staff assisting other organisations.
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Asked by councillor Murray King why the council was not in the same position as the SS&A and Commercial clubs in laying off staff, Mr Zaknich pointed to award provisions that cover the city's employees.
Cr King then noted the city usually had an overtime bill of $1.4 to $1.6 million a year, due to projects, such as roadwork, having to be done after hours.
Mr Zaknich said works were being done in what were now less busy hours to "minimise overtime".
