The cuts hit all departments-from the sheriff's office to child services. Departments that went over-budget this year were punished with bigger reductions in their funds for next year. All told, about $50 million is being slashed from the county's $1.5 billion budget.
County leaders hope about nine percent of its workforce-or 850 workers-agree to retire by the end of 2009 to avoid resorting to layoffs. But the county wants those savings sooner, so it's offering employees an incentive to leave by March.
County Commissioner Tim Hagan says the reductions are necessary because the recession is leading to lower sales tax revenue and less funding from the state.
HAGAN: So there's a cut across the board to face the reality that we're going to have less income, because people will be spending less money, because there's going to be greater unemployment. And, we don't see any way out in 2009.
And, Hagan says Cuyahoga County may have to revisit the budget next summer and institute more cuts if the economy and state support don't improve. He says there's no question the quality of services will decline.