BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. -- Blair County Commissioners met Tuesday with department heads and told them to reduce their expenses as soon as possible. If it isn't absolutely necessary, get rid of it.

Each department will have to make drastic cuts in an effort to eliminate the $1.4 million deficit that's expected by the end of the year.

The commissioners are putting a spending and hiring freeze in place. That means that no future money can be spent without the commissioners' approval.

Travel will be cut, programs may be cut and if necessary, jobs could be cut. Commissioners said they will not raise taxes so this is their only option.

When it comes to departments that have already cut back, Commissioner Donna Gority put it in the severest of terms. She told one reporter it's like rearranging the chairs on the deck of the Titanic. Now it's only a matter of time before we see if Blair County sinks or swims.