In the continuing saga of Maryland counties digesting state budget cuts and disappointing tax revenues, Carroll County has announced a substantial round of employee reductions. Carroll County is letting go of 18 employees and leaving 44 vacant positions unfilled. According to the Carroll CountyTimes coverage:

The move is expected to save the county an estimated $3 million annually.

According to the county, layoffs, attrition and retirement have reduced its work force by 12 percent since July 1. The layoffs will go into effect Feb. 3.

The reduction in staff will result in reduced programming at county parks, longer response times for inspections and permits, longer times to clear county roads of snow and ice, as well as reduced services and hours at community centers, according to the county.