Hamilton County officials have made an announcement that could result in over 500 employees losing their jobs.
Hamilton County Administrator Patrick Thompson released his recommended 2009 budget to the Board of County Commissioners Monday morning.
In his $1.2 billion proposal, Thompson recommended an overall decrease of $31 million from the 2008 general fund budget and the elimination of 532 jobs.
This would mean an elimination of 18 percent of general fund positions.
Officials say the cuts need to be made in order to offset a nearly $40 million revenue shortfall that has resulted from a dip in sales tax collections, a dismal real estate market and other tax declines.
Other recommendations include placing low level non-violent offenders out of the Queensgate corrections facility into existing diversion programs and the facility being shutdown.
There will also be an effort to consolidate administrative support functions across five Hamilton County Courts.
Another major cut would be $4 million that was spent each year to provide sheriff patrols to Colerain, Anderson, and Green townships.
The Chief of Green Township Police Department says they can't afford to pay the $1.5 million to keep deputies on patrol.
"If they completely stop the funding, which is the proposal, that would removed 16 more sheriff deputies from Green Township and put us in even worse situation," Chief Bart West said.
During his briefing with the Commission, Thompson acknowledged the tough economic times are forcing every department to experience a budget decrease. He says reduction in personnel costs are necessary in order to balance the budget.
Thompson says he will be working with the County Commission to further develop and alter the budget in order to reach a consensus. The county will also be scheduling public hearings for citizens to give input on the budget proposal.
The County Commission plans to adopt the 2009 budget by December 17.
9News Reporter Jenell Walton is following the story. She will have the full story starting at 5 p.m.
Click here to read the County Administrator's complete 2009 recommended budget and submit your comments.
