TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- Pima County is planning $10 million in midyear budget cuts and among the harder-hit agencies will be the Sheriff's Department, which plans $2.7 million in reductions.

The cuts come after most county departments already reduced their spending by 5 percent from last year's in anticipation of a worsening economy and a steep drop-off in revenue from state sales taxes.

The Sheriff's Department won't hold academies for new correctional officers and deputies until late in the spring, meaning no replacements for officers who quit or retire for the remainder of the budget year.

Specialized units like the border crimes unit and school resource officers may be reduced to make sure officers are available to respond to emergencies and investigate crimes, according to department officials.

Pima County also plans to delay many bond-funded construction projects for several years to avoid having to pay the operating cost for those projects.

The county doesn't know which bond projects will be affected, but parks and new buildings tend to add the most to the county's operating budget.

All department heads must review their budgets and cut another 2.5 percent in spending before the end of the calendar year.

Development Services, Wastewater Reclamation and Transportation all may have to cut more because of even steeper declines in revenue sources like building permit fees, impact fees, connection fees and gas tax revenue.

County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry said these cuts should be enough to get the county through the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends June 30, unless the state transfers more costs to the county to deal with its own budget problems.

County officials remain worried the Legislature will hold a special session in December to address the state budget situation, which could result in further county reductions.

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Information from: Arizona Daily Star, http://www.azstarnet.com

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