Constables in Cambria County could be working without pay until at least February -- that's the word that came to them by mail in December from the county controller.

6 News reporter Maria Miller learned constables in Cambria County are responsible for paying everything up front. They provide their own cars, maintenance and gas, their weapons, even their uniforms.

Two letters sent to the constables in December were signed by county controller Ed Cernic, notifying them they won't be getting paid until at least February.

"As a constable, there's no benefits, there's no insurance, no compensation. Everything we do we pay for," said Sam Allison, one of the constables for Cambria County. "So now they're coming back saying, 'Go out and do your job, and transport your prisoners and do your warrants, but we can't pay you."

Sam Allison has worked as a constable for nearly 18 years, and he said this is the first time he'll ever miss a payday. 

The reason, according to Cernic, is simply because he doesn't have enough help. A position that handled constable cost sheets and payroll has been left vacant for months, and Cernic said the Cambria County commissioners won't fill it.

"We're trying to contain costs as much as possible," said Commissioner Mark Wissinger. "We believe that by attrition and by wise hiring of individuals that we can help to contain the cost of our budget."

Wissinger said he and president commissioner Douglas Lengenfelder have no objection to filling the position by another union employee, but hiring an outsider right now is not within the county's means.

"It seems to be in the controller's office that there's more than what he's saying he's able to do," said Wissinger. "I think they could overlap some work and maybe put some other things aside and pay those constables."

The other, often outspoken commissioner, Thomas Chernisky, said the position needs to be filled regardless.

"I'm not here to micromanage. The controller does what he's supposed to do," said Chernisky. "If Ed thinks he needs a person in his office, then he needs a person in his office."

"I said, 'Why doesn't Mr. Cernic talk with the commisioners? Why don't they talk to you?' Negative response," said Allison. "Neither one wants to talk to each other, I guess."

Cernic told 6 News by phone that he regrets the decision of delaying payments but said his staff is already behind on their work. He said the position only pays about $17,000 a yaer, and not not filling it is simply an inaction by the commissioners.