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ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. -- As Rockingham County continues to try to get out of the red, many county employees will soon have to take some time off without pay.

Rockingham County employees will have two days without pay: April 5 and May 28. Personnel director John Dean says the days will save the county $245,000, not to mention it will also save dozens of jobs.

Public safety employees and emergency workers are exempt from the furloughs. They will instead have two unpaid holidays.

"Takeaways are never pleasant for employees, and to hit people in the pocketbook when it's my understanding that we've never gone a year without having some sort of cost of living or merit increase type of adjustment, but this is the first year that has happened," said Dean.

Stephanie Kingston, who works in the accounting department, says she is prepared for the county's mandatory furlough.

"I guess like anybody, you think they are cutting my pay and you don't get a raise, but when you think about it, I would rather them cut my pay a couple of days then to not have a job," said Kingston.

Rockingham County is a Tier One County, which means it's one of the most economically depressed areas in the state. Without any new revenue streams, it may face even more reductions.

The budget crisis stems from the departure of major textile companies and no new major industries coming into the county.

In addition to the furlough, the county also suspended salary increases and its 401K contributions. There is also a hiring freeze in all departments except public safety.

"You can't cut that area short," said Dean. "You have to make sure that you have enough sheriff's deputies and enough EMS personnel to take care of the public's safety."

The county is months away from the start of its new fiscal year and leaders say they are already preparing for what may be another round of reductions.