More Ohio Deputies to be Laid Off

CUYAHOGA COUNTY --

More Cuyahoga County sheriff's deputies will be laid off due to budget cuts.

During a news conference Monday, Sheriff Gerald McFaul said the bottom line is that more deputies will lose their jobs because he has less money to work with, reported NewsChannel5's Duane Pohlman.

In all, 18 deputies, 15 correction officers and three security monitors were laid off. Eleven sergeants were demoted, and McFaul said that is just the beginning.

McFaul said no department or division will be unaffected as he works to cut his $85 million budget.

Layoffs are just part of it. The sheriff is reorganizing his entire department eliminating the rank of sergeant to save tens of thousands of dollars.

But seven other employees were promoted to higher pay, including the sheriff's niece.

McFaul denies any wrongdoing and said all those promoted deserved it.

On Monday, the Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association filed an action with the state, accusing the sheriff of union-busting.

The sergeants were about to vote on a new union later this month.

Despite the deep cuts, the sheriff maintains he can keep Cuyahoga County safe.

Copyright 2009 by NewsNet5. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.