Macomb County expected to lay off workers in today's budget talks

Charles E. Ramirez / The Detroit News

Mount Clemens -- Macomb County is scheduled to lay off more workers in budget reductions today.

The county Board of Commissioners' budget committee is to meet at 2 p.m. today to review a couple of programs and six departments -- including the Circuit Court, Corporation Counsel and the Health Department -- as part of its efforts to fend off a $15.7 million 2010 budget deficit. The 2010 budget starts on Jan. 1.

The committee's actions today may result in up to six layoffs and the elimination of 38 vacant positions -- all designed to save the county as much as $4.5 million, according to officials.

The moves come after two previous rounds of job cuts over the last two months that the county estimates will save it $4.2 million next year. The county announced plans in September and October to lay off 18 workers and slash 38 vacant positions.

About four months ago, county finance officials informed the board it's facing a $15.7 million shortfall next year and a $16.5 million shortfall in 2011 because tax revenues are expected to plummet 10 percent in 2010 and another 13 percent in 2011.

The news prompted the board to ask each of its department heads to submit proposals for cutting their operational costs by 8 percent. The budget committee is reviewing the proposals as they are submitted and forwarding accepted plans to the full board of commissioners for its approval.

Macomb County's fiscal budget runs on the calendar year. For 2009, the county has a budget of about $231 million. It currently has about 2,200 employees.

cramirez@detnews.com (586) 468-2905