EATON, Ohio -- Officials in Preble County said they are facing budget problems, which has resulted in the layoff of some sheriff’s deputies.

County commissioners are looking at making additional cuts to the county budget, but many are hoping that those additional cuts will not have to be made.

Sheriff Mike Simpson has been asked to streamline his budget by 5 percent. Simpson said he managed to cut his budget by 3.5 percent, which would put his department in a dangerous situation for residents of the county.

Over the weekend, Simpson had to let three of his deputies go. It is anticipated that another six may be coming once the county commission finalizes the budget cuts.

The Fraternal Order of Police met with county commissioners on Monday morning to lay out an alternative plan.

Part of the plan would be that deputies would let their 2009 pay raises go in order to save jobs. It was also suggested that the county could increase county license plate fees.

Under the original plan, the cuts would have eliminated the detective section of the sheriff’s department and put those deputies on road patrol.

County commissioners have not made a final decision on additional budget cuts. That decision could come as early as Wednesday.