AP reported that unanticipated expenses and a drop in revenue have forced the Crow Tribe lay off 200 people.

Mr Kayle Howe, the tribe’s personnel director, said that the full time employees were told of the cuts August 7th 2009. He added that the layoffs do not affect employees who are paid with federal money, and essential services will continue.

The layoffs come amid a substantial drop in the tribe’s largest revenue source, coal. Also, Chairman Mr Carl Venne’s death in February required two elections to fill the posts of chairman and vice chairman, which cost about USD 148,000.

The new fiscal year begins October 1st 2009 and Mr Howe expects that tribal members will be able to apply for jobs in the middle of that month.

Meanwhile, the tribe is awaiting millions of dollars in federal stimulus money, with jobs aimed mainly at boosting the reservation’s infrastructure.

(Sourced from Associated Press)