Cherokee Housing Authority planning layoffs

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) _ The Cherokee Nation Housing Authority plans to lay off up to 80 of its 400 employees this month. <br><br>The agency is going $1 million in the hole every month, officials said.

Thursday, March 13th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) _ The Cherokee Nation Housing Authority plans to lay off up to 80 of its 400 employees this month.

The agency is going $1 million in the hole every month, officials said.

``The bottom line is the Housing Authority is in a critical situation,'' said Tribal Councilor Chuck Hoskin. ``We're talking about the Housing Authority running out of money in May.''

Financial Director Andrew Skeeter said the tribe needs $12 million more per year to keep spending at current levels.

The authority's board voted Wednesday to give laid-off employees small severance checks.