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Suffolk County Approves Reduced Layoff List

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The Suffolk County Legislature has approved a reduced layoff list.

Originally the plan called for 464 layoffs but County Executive Steve Bellone had revised the list to reduce the number of those being let go while reaping the same savings.

1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reports

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The restored jobs include 126 positions at social services and nearly 50 in law enforcement.

However, 35 health department public works employees will be laid off to save about $11 million.

Pink slips will be sent out to 315 workers next Monday. The job cuts will take effect June 30.

The vote came Tuesday after a raucous public hearing in which worker after worker pleaded for no jobs to be cut.

"Let them work, let them do what they gotta do," said Sal Russo, who works for the Department of Public Works – one of the hardest hit agencies.

"The people that lose their jobs, a great many of them will lose homes, people will be force to leave the island," Dan Dailey said.

The county is facing a $500 million deficit. More layoffs are possible.

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