In mid-June, the National Association of Counties (NACo) conducted a survey on the impact the economic climate has had on county government budgets and services.  The Economic Status Survey, which was distributed to a representative sample group of 800 counties, revealed that local governments of all sizes continue to implement cost cutting measures, such as furloughs and service cutbacks, to reduce operating budgets.   NACo Executive Director Larry E. Naake stated

“Our survey shows conclusively that counties large and small are struggling to address budget shortfalls and to fund essential services and programs communities have come to expect. The fact that 37 percent of counties are laying off policy, sheriff and fire personnel indicates the seriousness of the revenue crisis, since public safety personnel are usually the last to be laid off. Counties large and small are experiencing their worst budget and revenue crisis since the early 1990s.”

Here are a few highlights of the survey results are below:

 Leading areas of spending reductions :

• Employee pay freezes
• Capital investment delays
• Hiring freezes
• Purchase and repair delays
• Layoffs
• Furloughs

County service areas receiving the most furloughs, layoffs, and cutbacks:

• Administration
• Sheriff, police, and fire and rescue
• Roads, highways, and transportation
• Jails and corrections
• Health