Talks are continuing between Sullivan County government officials and the Sheriff�s Office as the county prepares a 2011 budget.

Initial discussions have as much as $1 million being cut from the road patrol�s $5.6 million budget. That would translate to a potential layoff of 15 deputies out of a total of 40, sources told MidHudsonNews.com.

If that turns out to be the final outcome, county residents will be negatively impacted, said Sheriff�s PBA President Det. Ed Simon.

�Our biggest concern is it�s unrealistic for them being the county legislators and the county manager to jeopardize the citizens of Sullivan County with these unrealistic cuts; you are putting them at risk,� he said. �The second issue is you are also putting the deputies at risk who have to respond to these calls because the availability of a backup unit has now decreased because you have a lack of manpower.�

The sheriff�s department comprises about 2� percent of the total county budget. Talks will continue about potential cost cutting measures.

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(Source: MidHudsonNews)