In February, county officials said their deficit would be between 40 and 60 million dollars.  But two weeks ago, they announced the shortfall had doubled – to more than $120 million.  And once you factor out all of the county’s required spending, that’s almost a fifth of what’s left over.
 
Top administrators have proposed using $55 million of one-time reserves.  That leaves the other $70 million or so to come from cuts.  And last week, the board chambers were packed with dozens of people testifying against the reductions.
 
The sharpest proposed cuts are in health and human services programs.  But the sheriff, district attorney and probation department will likely get slashed too. 
 
Hearings will continue Tuesday afternoon; decision-time begins Wednesday morning.