The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors trimmed $28.7 million from the fiscal 2010 budget in the second round of cuts aimed at eliminating a projected $138.2 million shortfall in revenue next year.
The county reduced the budget by $32.6 million in the first series of cuts, and is expected to cut at least another $20 million in a third round.
The move shrank the budget by 10% to 15% for nine county departments. The reductions for six departments became effective immediately, while the others will take effect at the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1.
Maricopa officials expect the cuts to require 138 employee layoffs, although the number may be lower if some workers opt for early retirement. The county will deposit up to $30,000 into the individual health savings accounts of workers who decide to retire.
