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ESCANABA -- Layoffs and furlough days--that's now what the Delta County Commission has to consider to help offset a $545,000 budget deficit.

Previously, the commission voted for three furlough days a month for all county employees, but that violated union contracts and was called off.  However, they say the money still has to come from somewhere, and furloughs and layoffs were what they recommended Thursday night.

In a three to two vote, the commission recommended one furlough day a month for department heads and non-bargaining union employees.  Also on the chopping block, the jobs of six union court house workers.

While some commissioners feel layoffs can be avoided by taking funds from other areas of the budget, the others don't agree.  In addition to Thursday night's recommendations and other budget cuts, they feel these are the fairest options to offset the deficit.

"The board wants to live within the amounts that come into the general fund," explained County Administrator, Nora Viau.  "They don't want to do what other, like the State, has done, and take money from other funds for operational purposes that were set aside for specific items."

Commissioners say the union requested Thursday night's meeting.  However, no union representatives were there to discuss their options.  Union officials say the initial reason for the meeting was the issue of furlough days, and that had already been resolved.  That's why they didn't show.

"We're very concerned about the budget.  We don't feel layoffs are necessary, and we believe other avenues can be pursued, and we would be open to discussing that with the board if they contact our Marquette council representative to arrange that," said Court House Chapter Chair for AFSCME 2755, Christine Pepin.  "We don't want to be unprotected when we address the board as a union."

The board plans to make a final decision on these recommendations at their next meeting on November 2.  Commissioners stress even if this is adopted, amendments can still be made.