To keep Fayette County’s budget in line for the coming year despite significant revenue decreases, officials are taking several drastic measures.

The county will not replace any of its vehicles this year and is delaying its capital improvement plan for an entire year. There will also be no equipment replacements either.

Employees will not receive a cost of living adjustment or any merit pay this year, said Finance Director Mary Holland.

The county is also eliminating 17 full-time and five part-time positions that have gone vacant for the past 18 months. That will save $860,000, but as Commission Chairman Jack Smith noted will not result in a service reduction to residents.

Public safety positions, however, are being filled when they become vacant, officials have said.

Commissioner Lee Hearn said if a piece of equipment has gone past its useful life he didn’t want the county to spend more money repairing it instead of replacing it.

Krakeel noted that in such cases the departments are being asked to document such issues so they can be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Krakeel said that the county is delaying the purchase of two replacement ambulances this year and may seek some grant funding for them in the future.

The new budget restrictions were unanimously approved by the commission last week.

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