Commissioners got a better idea Thursday (Jan. 7) of budget constraints facing Pike County in 2016.

The three-member panel met with representatives from seven county offices. Two more meetings will take place next week before a final crunch of numbers begins.

The good news is that no tax increases are planned. The concern is whether staff cuts will have to be made.

Although Sheriff Stephen Korte has said previously that employee reductions are possible, no specific cuts have been outlined in his department or any other county office.

The budget will likely be similar to the eight million dollar plan approved in 2015, even though costs have risen and county officials plan to use their own office reserves to meet expenses.

Commissioners must approve a budget by the end of January.