The Butler County commissioners may be forced to cut jobs in the coming weeks if nothing significant changes with delayed employee contract talks.

Commissioner Dale Pinkerton, board chairman, said at Wednesday's meeting a looming $500,000 county deficit has to be addressed.

"We're in a bind right now," he said.

Pinkerton said staffing makes up 85 percent of the county budget.

The commissioners in December approved a 2009 budget of $186 million that included a 1.5 percent deduction from employee salaries to pay part of their health benefits.

The county estimates a $500,000 savings if proposed contracts covering about 500 union workers at the government center, courthouse and Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center are approved.

The workers in early December overwhelmingly rejected the county's offers.

Union representatives for Sunnyview's roughly 200 union workers maintain their opposition wasn't related to monetary issues, but rather other concessions, such as scheduling.

The county negotiating team may meet with Sunnyview union representatives next week to hash out these remaining issues.

County solicitor Julie Graham said a state Department of Labor and Industry mediator was not available to attend a proposed negotiating session this past Monday, a day union representatives could meet.

Unlike arbitration, a mediator makes only suggestions, not decisions.

The five bargaining units from the government center and courthouse who rejected previous offers also have yet to reach agreements with the county. No new votes were scheduled as of this morning.

Pinkerton said the county can't ignore the deficit, pinning hopes on new agreements yet to be signed.

"We can't wait that long," he said.

Pinkerton said the county has already lost part of that $500,000 savings.

He didn't specify where any job cuts could be made.

While both sides are willing to meet, scheduling could remain a sticking point during talks.

Commissioner Jim Lokhaiser questioned why Sunnyview workers won't compromise on scheduling.

"The employees tell the county when they will work," he said. "This is wrong."

The commissioners stressed they don't want to sell Sunnyview now despite seeking proposals from companies to operate or buy the county nursing home.

Pinkerton said the county will obtain the proposals, which could include one offering to buy only nursing home bed licenses, even if a new Sunnyview employee agreement is reached.

A deadline to receive proposals has not been set.

Pinkerton stressed the county will take care of Sunnyview residents no matter what happens.

"We will not throw anybody out on the street," he said.

The possibility of jobs being eliminated later this year almost prevented the county treasurer from having a full-time deputy.

The post was made part-time in 2008 so Sandy Fritch, the deputy treasurer, could reduce her hours.

When Fritch decided to retire this month, county Treasurer Diane Marburger requested the post be made full-time again.

Despite a plan to cut the number of seasonal clerks who handle antlerless deer licenses and other projected savings, two commissioners opposed the move during Wednesday's county salary board meeting.

Pinkerton said the savings from keeping the post under 1,000 hours is needed to chip away at the pending deficit.

Commissioner James Kennedy agreed, saying after the meeting it was a financial issue, not a reflection on the office.

But Lokhaiser and county Controller Jack McMillin sided with Marburger, saying the post should be full-time. Those three voted for the position while Kennedy and Pinkerton opposed it.

The discussion over the post took place during a continuation of Friday's salary board meeting.

After Kennedy on Friday said the county code doesn't explicitly state a deputy treasurer must be full-time, McMillin responded the same could be said for county commissioners.