Porter County Auditor Bob Wichlinski eliminated a quarter of the jobs in his office Monday, in part, as a result of a call last week by the County Council for department heads to reduce spending due to financial hardships.
The staff reduction will save $250,000 a year in pay and benefits, Wichlinski said.
Wichlinski, who is taking some heat as a result of the move, said it reflects the sacrifices that have been made by all taxpayers.
"For whatever reason, government thinks it has a licence to not have to do that," he said.
Five positions were eliminated in the office, leaving 15 behind, Wichlinski said. He voiced confidence the office will be able to carry on without interruption.
"We're going to cross train the staff," he said.
Wichlinski said he also did away with the chief of staff and chief deputy titles, as well as the distinctions between the finance, real estate, GIS and payroll divisions.
The Porter County Council announced last week that this year's budget is short by more than $5 million and could be in the red by as much as $8 million next year if no action is taken. Reduced revenue and increased costs have been blamed, though the council approved a 2014 budget that was not adequately funded.
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