ALBANY, GA --
Unfortunately, Dougherty County employees may have to take nine furlough days in the next fiscal year.

The Dougherty County Finance Committee met immediately after their regular work session Monday.

According to County Administrator Richard Crowdis, the county will save $101,000 for each furlough day taken.

County employees have had no real pay raise for years, they have seen an increase in health care premiums and they are required to contribute 3% to their retirement.

“Their take home pay is actually lower now than it was several years ago and it's tough, I mean, everybody's going through it and we understand, we get it, but it's very difficult on the staff,” says Col. John Ostrander with the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office.

Nine furlough days would result in a 5% pay cut for all employees.