A $4.6 million budget cut for 2009 was approved by the Anoka County management committee Tuesday and now is expected to be voted upon by the board later this month.

The $4.6 million in cuts was compiled by Cevin Petersen, division manager of finance and central services. The County Board has until its next meeting Aug. 25 to contemplate its fate.

Petersen's proposal includes a $920,000 year-end reserve -- and the fate of that sum will probably be decided when the November financial forecast arrives, he said. The budget reserve will be used for a potential December unallotment, if the November forecast predicts a shortfall, he said.

Nearly half of $3.2 million in budget reductions for the year will come from Human Services, according to Petersen's detailed proposal.

County Administrator Terry Johnson reiterated that the county would do everything possible to avoid layoffs.

But the county, which has left positions vacant and has reduced spending since last fall, may "have to redefine how we do business," said Jerry Soma, manager of the county's Human Services Division.

For instance, the county eliminated a computer-training position when it discovered that it was cheaper for outside vendors to train staff, Soma said.

In computing Anoka County's final budget cuts, Petersen took into account Gov. Tim Pawlenty's unallotment of $2.1 million in December 2008 and $1.6 million last month with the intent to unallot $3.2 million during fiscal year 2010.

Shuffling inmates

County officials also discussed an unrelated proposal that would eliminate a portion of the corrections facility in Lino Lakes, which might be accomplished by using another outside vendor -- Sherburne County.

Anoka County already contracts for 25 beds at the jail in Elk River, to avoid overflow, Soma said. Anoka County officials have mentioned at previous board meetings the possibility of a contract that would send more inmates to Sherburne County.

The medium-security section of the facility in Lino Lakes is rarely more than half full, Soma said. By moving more adult prisoners to Sherburne County, the facility in Lino Lakes could be used for juveniles or some other purpose, he said.

Talks between the two counties are expected to continue into September.

Paul Levy • 612-673-4419