But leaders say residents shouldn't notice a major difference in day-to-day services.

The $186 million package passed unanimously for the county's
coming fiscal year, starting October 1st.

It's about $30 million dollars less than last year's budget. Board Chairman Scott Christiansen says the drop is tied to the tough economy and less revenue.

Most county departments cut their budgets by 11 percent. Part of that includes 154 fewer people working for the county either through layoffs, not filling vacancies or early retirement. Plus reduced hours on Friday. Despite all that, Christiansen says morale isn't falling.

"Everybody's got a great attitude considering everything. Moving forward, getting the cases through the system, the courts, state's attorney, public defender, clerk, sheriff, they've all done a great job with that," Christiansen said.

Also Thursday night, the county board took its first look at a new set of guidelines for wind farm developers. There was no actual discussion on the matter. A vote is set for its October 8th meeting.