Blair County is having some financial problems. The Commissioners there are pleading with County Department heads to stop spending money.

A letter was sent out to County Department heads...explaining the County has 51 million dollars in revenue and 58 million in expenditures...that's a negative cash flow difference of close to 6.8 million dollars. Higher health insurance costs, prison costs, court costs and unfunded mandates from the state and federal government all blamed.

Commissioner John Eichelberger says, "It's reaching the point can't continue county business because of state and feeral requirements."

That's why in the letter, strict instructions...no more group lunches, from this point on, the hiring of personnel will be closely scrutinized.

Sheriff Larry Field says, "I try whatever I can to cut down and save the county money."

Eichelberger adds, "We've all go to stand together to cut expenditures."

If not, the County could be facing service cuts and a tax increase.

But Commissioners say that even the highest possible tax raise -- will only generate around two and a half million dollars -- still leaving a four million dollar shortfall.