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Heather Barkley from the Osage County Health Department discussed the effects of the State budget shortfall this week at the meeting of the Osage County Commissioners. Barkley stated that due to the budget issues the County could lose some of their nurses.

The State Health Department is requiring a furlough for full-time Health Department employees who earn more than $35,000 per year. The furlough would require employees to cut one work day during each pay cycle, taking their 80 hour pay period to 72 hours. Barkley stated that Registered Nurses already take a pay cut to come work for the Health Department and the furlough could drive the County's few nurses away. She said that if the State does not find a way to fund the Health Department the furloughs are anticipated to last until June of next year.