WENATCHEE — Chelan County commissioners on Tuesday approved a pared-down budget for 2010 and cautioned the public to expect slower and reduced services.

Two more layoffs in the Assessor’s Office approved by commissioners on Monday brought the total budget-caused layoffs to 20.

The general fund budget is a little over $30 million, down more than $3 million from the $33.6 million spent in 2008, when the county’s economy was vibrant and strong.

After approving the budget, the commissioners began their annual singing of Christmas carols to county employees before adjourning for the Christmas holiday.

Commissioner Keith Goehner said they were met with good cheer in each department, despite the budget woes.

“I think everyone understands the situation we are in,” he said. “It’s not just the county but across the whole country.”

Among some services that will be affected, the Sheriff’s Office will no longer provide 24-hour coverage in most of the county. Every area except the city of Chelan will go two hours each day with no deputies on patrol.

Goehner said there are also some cuts in programs offered by WSU Cooperative Extension, which is partially funded by the county.

Across all county departments, Goehner said, “There will be fewer people with more responsibilities. ... When you come in to file documents or buy licenses, you may have to wait a little bit longer.

“There just won’t be the people here to take care of everything that needs to be done.”

“It will be a challenge for our departments to do more with less next year,” he said.

The commissioners built in about a 4-percent reserve to help cover monthly expenses throughout the year. Goehner said the board would like to increase that to 7 percent.

He said the commissioners hope they won’t have to make more mid-year cuts, like they did this year.

“I think we’re optimistic that what we’ve approved is a realistic projection of what we’ll see in revenues next year,” he said. “We want to keep close tab on pulse of the economy. ... We’ve made a commitment to make monthly checks of revenues and a thorough financial analysis at the end of each quarter so we don’t get ourselves into a hole.”

Michelle McNiel: 664-7152

mcniel@wenatcheeworld.com