While the Butler County commissioners this morning approved a 2009 county budget of $186 million, there still will be a $500,000 deficit if union workers don't sign new agreements early in the year.

County officials estimate a total $600,000 savings if proposed contracts covering about 500 union workers are approved. With just nonunion employees and elected officials making the health care contribution, the projected savings is $100,000.

Bill O'Donnell, chief county clerk, said expense cuts will have to be made if new contracts aren't in place by early 2009.

Commissioner Dale Pinkerton, board chairman, said after the meeting today that employee cuts probably are not an option.

Pinkerton said the commissioners would have to discuss where those reductions could occur.

Even if new contracts are signed, the need for a property tax hike won't disappear. The new tax rate will be 23.6 mills.

The $32.9 million payroll covers 713 full-time, 92 part-time and 43 seasonal employees with 34 new correction officers and another two facilities workers to staff the new prison, which is set to be built by April 2009.