CHESTERFIELD -
The Budget crunch is on in Chesterfield and anxiety levels are running high.
"I know some employees are afraid of losing their jobs. My son works for the county and they're talking about cuts in all different areas" says Paul Sanders.
Sanders and his wife Carol have been watching the budget crunch closely and say they're especially worried for school teachers and other personnel. The couple also worries what deep cuts could mean for public safety.
Chesterfield County is facing a fifty five to sixty million dollar shortfall in it's 2011 budget. That's why leaders say they're making cost cutting moves at every turn. Budget Director Allan Carmody gave CBS 6 some examples of savings they're seeing, even in the midst of the tough budget situation.
For example, they're refinancing debts at lower rates, saving more than one million dollars. Streamlining a new health care contract also racked up savings in excess of one million. The couny also saved more than one hundred thousand dollars when workers in various departments parked their county cars.
Those employees are car pooling, travelling less and taking home less cars. County leaders say once the budget is finalized citizens will notice a marked change in county services. Until then, though, they urge all taxpayers to take part in the budget process.
A special community meeting is set for Monday at James River High School from 7:00 until 8:30pm. They add, the budget process if far from over. It will be finalized in April.
"I know some employees are afraid of losing their jobs. My son works for the county and they're talking about cuts in all different areas" says Paul Sanders.
Sanders and his wife Carol have been watching the budget crunch closely and say they're especially worried for school teachers and other personnel. The couple also worries what deep cuts could mean for public safety.
Chesterfield County is facing a fifty five to sixty million dollar shortfall in it's 2011 budget. That's why leaders say they're making cost cutting moves at every turn. Budget Director Allan Carmody gave CBS 6 some examples of savings they're seeing, even in the midst of the tough budget situation.
For example, they're refinancing debts at lower rates, saving more than one million dollars. Streamlining a new health care contract also racked up savings in excess of one million. The couny also saved more than one hundred thousand dollars when workers in various departments parked their county cars.
Those employees are car pooling, travelling less and taking home less cars. County leaders say once the budget is finalized citizens will notice a marked change in county services. Until then, though, they urge all taxpayers to take part in the budget process.
A special community meeting is set for Monday at James River High School from 7:00 until 8:30pm. They add, the budget process if far from over. It will be finalized in April.
