On June 2^nd, the County Council and the Executive held a public meeting with the county employees to discuss the budget situation.  The day prior, the same presentation was given to elected officials and representatives of organized labor.  After monthly meetings to develop a framework for the 2011 budget, the council determined the need to keep employees in the loop as the discussion develops.  The bottom line is that due to the economic crisis which began in late 2008, revenues have plummeted (particularly sales tax revenues-a key factor in local government financing).  The original projection was $54 million but the reality was less than $38 million.  The county was forced to use $18 million of our reserves.  The picture still looks bleak.  To combat this trend, the county has tried several strategies ---eliminating nearly 100 General Fund positions and nearly 150 positions in other funds as well.  Furloughs were mandatory in 2009 for most employees and for all non-union employees in 2010.  Hiring for most positions has been frozen.  Spending for supplies, training, maintenance and other items has been cut.  As a short term strategy, this has been effective.  The county is now developing a 5 year plan.