The Stephenson County Sheriff's Department is now being told to cut its budget to 2005 levels. The sheriff has given out 29 layoff notices in preparation of meeting the new budget.

Sheriff David Snyders told us his department alone covers "568 square miles.” Right now the sheriff's department employs 27 deputies to cover all of Stephenson County, but in the past few weeks, Snyders has been asked to cut back on his already strapped budget.

9 deputies have been given layoff notices. That means one in three will be let go next month. This would reduce patrols from three during the day and four at night, to two during the day and only two patrols at night.

"Anytime you lose employees, it hurts. not only us but it hurts the employee, and it hurts the citizens of the county also,” says Sheriff Snyders.

Deputy positions aren't the only jobs being cut - nearly one-third of Stephenson County Jail's correctional officers may also lose their jobs. That would mean shutting down a section of the jail and reducing its capacity.

Despite the cuts, the sheriff says they will not falter in their duties. "We will continue to do the job to the best of our ability with these reductions."

The sheriff is continuing to work through his budget and with the county board to try and save as many jobs as possible. Some relief may come in February when a proposed public safety tax increase will be voted on. Until that time however, the cuts are still part of the plan.

The sheriff's office will also be cutting several part-time employees, 2 telecommunications officers and the front door security staff at the county courthouse. Sheriff Snyders hopes the cuts will only be temporary and that many of the staff members will be re-hired once new funds are found.