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ESCANABA -- Layoffs, pay cuts, and furlough days.  That's what Delta County has to consider if over $650,000 in state revenue sharing is not included in the state's budget come October 1.

It's been in and out of the budget several times.  As of Thursday morning, commissioners were told it's in the budget, but the funding will be five percent to seven percent less than expected.

Despite the news, county officials remain cautious and are considering all options.  If no revenue sharing funds come from the state, the county has to consider cutting more than 20 employees to balance the budget.

"Those would be deep layoffs because the revenue sharing funding to our budget is six percent of the budget," explained County Administrator, Nora Viau.  "So it's a significant amount of money they would be reduced."

Another option on the table, a four-day work week for all county employees.  That was the option focused on at Thursday's budget meeting.  The four-day week would mean one furlough day a week, except for the Corrections Department, since it's a 24-hour operation. 

But the county is also preparing a budget to include partial funding from the state, just in case they do indeed get some money.  While it would mean less drastic cuts, changes would still have to be made.

"There would be a possibility of a wage freeze for most of the employees, that would be one example," said County Commissioner, David Schultz, "except for contracted employees or union contracts."

The board plans to meet with department heads Friday to discuss that option as well as the others.  The state is suppose to have a finalized budget in place by October 1.