The Butler County Commissioners on Wednesday eliminated seven deputy sheriff positions. In two weeks, more county jobs could be pruned.

Bill O'Donnell, chief county clerk, said at Wednesday's meeting the commissioners later this month may cut jobs in other departments to offset a $500,000 deficit in the 2009 county budget of $186 million.

The budget was set under the presumption there would be new contracts in place for 500 union workers at the government center, the courthouse and the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

The county's contract offers include an employee contribution toward their health care costs amounting to 1.5 percent of their salaries.

However, negotiations are stalled, leaving the county looking for ways to save $500,000.

Although the county is estimated to save $400,000 from the deputy salaries, that savings is offset by more than $2 million needed to hire 33 correction officers for the new prison.

The last contracts covering the 500 workers expired Nov. 30.

Interest in Sunnyview

The commissioners know there is a market to sell Sunnyview.

Bill O'Donnell, chief county clerk, said Wednesday about 15 companies have submitted proposals to buy or to operate the county nursing home.

County officials maintain Sunnyview must break even financially for it not to be sold someday.

Although the facility is projected to lose about $1 million for 2009, Sunnyview records show only a $40,000 loss for February.

If Sunnyview is sold, the county would be required to repay more than $6 million of a federal grant used to pay for renovations there.

Police grant sought

The county commissioners Wednesday paved the way for four police departments to receive more than $135,0000 in federal economic stimulus money by applying for the noncompetitive funding.

Although the money is available from the U.S. Department of Justice, the county must officially apply for it.

Under the program, the county sheriff's office would receive a portion of the allotted funding, or $13,509.

Butler police would receive the biggest chunk, $62,182. Cranberry Township police follow with $24,687, while Butler Township police would get $20,975 and Buffalo Township police would get $13,735.

Justice board honored

The county commissioners Wednesday lauded the county Criminal Justice Advisory Board for receiving a state award for its program development to reduce recidivism.

The County Commissioners Association and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency on March 31 named the Butler County advisory board the recipient of the Best Practice Award.

In addition to developing programs to help inmates and former inmates overcome problems such as drug and alcohol addiction, the advisory board is working on expanding services for inmates and former inmates once the new prison is fully operational in July.