Williams

ST. LOUIS — The office of city Treasurer Larry Williams is expected to comment soon on word of layoffs in the department.

Both the Arch City Chronicle and St. Louis Beacon have reported on a “tweet” by Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed – since erased — that Williams planned to let go 73 employees.

“We’ll have a statement for the press in a couple of days,” said Michael Green, Williams’ director of administration.

Green later added that an announcement could come as soon as tomorrow or even later today.

If layoffs have indeed been planned, expect some unhappy St. Louis Democrats. The treasurer’s office is a well-known source of patronage, featuring a payroll rife with political and family connections.

Last year, State Auditor Susan Montee found that 43 of the office’s 200 or so employees were related to at least one other person in the office.

In addition to being the city’s fiduciary agent, the treasurer runs parking operations in the city, which could be affected by the economic downturn.

The treasurer also has many seasonal employees who help with parking for baseball and other special events.