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After Tuesday's Ben Hill Board of Commissioners meeting, officials will begin making appropriations for a reduction in the county's workforce.

Commissioners recommended and approved a 90 day reduction in workforce.

Those who are eligible for retirement will be given that option first.

The board of commissioners also implemented a hiring freeze for the county.

Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and other holidays for the remainder of 2012 year will be unpaid and employees will have to take on furlough days.

The sheriff for Ben Hill County says since he's currently working with a skeleton crew, cuts and furlough days aren't possible.

Commissioners say law enforcement officers won't be affected but administrative staff members may have to take furlough days.

The new changes are expected to save the county over $30,000 for the remainder of the year.