FRANKLIN FURNACE — Beth Barnett works as an advocate administrator for the juvenile correctional facility in Franklin Furnace. A week ago she came to work just as she has for the past 15 years; only this day was different.

The governor’s budget was being announced that day and she found out she might not have a job in September.

“They drove down from our central office and walked in and told us the facility was being closed because our budget was $26 million,” Barnett said.

Last week the Ohio Department of Youth Services said it would close the Ohio River Valley Juvenile Correctional Facility in Franklin Furnace on Sept. 10.

The reason was because Gov. John Kasich’s budget calls for a 9 percent, or $41 million, reduction in funding from the Ohio Department of Youth Services. Shutting down the Franklin Furnace facility is expected to save approximately $21 million where 333 are employed full-time.

“They could have closed two different facilities and housed the youth from those in ours,” she said.

Barnett is not alone. That’s why the employees at the correctional facility are organizing a rally Saturday at Green High School to state their case. Joining them will be State Rep. Terry Johnson who has spoken against the closing. the Lawrence County Commissioners as well as Ironton Mayor Rich Blankenship have also expressed public concern about the potential job loss.

“We are already a depressed area … and to have a closing with this many jobs, the market isn’t out there for us to go to,” Barnett said. “When you look at the private sector, the pay and benefits are not comparable to what we are making. I have a master’s degree and am a licensed social worker. I don’t know anywhere I can go to make comparable to what I make now.”

The rally is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. in the gym of Green High School in Franklin Furnace.