RV cutbacks force some people to leave area in search of workby Kelli Cheatham (kcheatham@wsbt.com)
Layoffs in the RV industry have some workers leaving the area in search of a job. (WSBT photo) ELKHART COUNTY — RV cutbacks are forcing some people to move away from this area, and it's impacting local towns and schools. For many laid off workers and those whose salaries were chopped, moving away is now a strategy for survival. Multimedia Related Content
When a local RV supplier slashed Lew Austin's salary by 20 percent, "This is 1,600 miles," he explained. "But we need employment, need health benefits, need a retirement." Lew's son will finish his sophomore year at Concord High School, then start next school year in Nevada. Schools across our area are starting to show the Austin family isn't the only one leaving to find work. For example, enrollment in the Middlebury school district has dropped by six students since September. "I've heard of one family going to Iowa and one family going to Kansas," said superintendent Jim Conner. In the past, Middlebury schools' general fund was covered by local property taxes. But starting next school year, student enrollment will determine the amount of money that goes into the general fund. Fewer students means less money to pay for teachers and other student services. "That is a concern as we see plants shutting down," said Conner. Aside from students moving out of the district, some Elkhart County school districts are also worried about people who don't have jobs and choose to stay here. The superintendent Connor told WSBT he's afraid people who are out of work won't be able to pay their property taxes. Schools rely on that money for capital projects, building maintenance, transportation funds and many other areas. Small local towns once booming with RV business now look more like ghost towns, but the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce says businesses are actively pursuing Elkhart County. "We've got the available workers, we've got the available buildings, we have nice tax rates," said Greater Elkhart Chamber spokesman Kyle Hannon. "We're a day's drive from a third of the U.S. population. What business would not want to come here?" Hannon also said everyone in the county is doing everything they can to try and bring jobs here. "I think the future will be bright," he said. Another thing that isn't clear right now — when these layoffs will end. Across the country, November's layoffs were the most since December 1974, when the country was in a deep recession. Most PopularMore Good Stuff |
WSBT WeatherWSBT Weather
Stock QuotesYouNews
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled.
Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
|
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled.
Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule
7.00
60 Minutes
8.00
The Amazing Race 15
9.00
Three Rivers
10.00
Cold Case
11.00
WSBT News
11.30
Paid Programming
Question of The DayMost Popular
|
Sun, Nov 22
South Bend
