SHOALS — Some area companies are cutting costs and laying off because of a slow economy. Martin County Highway workers are cutting hours because of lower taxes.

The Martin County Commissioners unanimously voted to let Highway Department workers cut their work week from 40 to 37 and a half hours, starting May 18, due to budget cuts.

Highway Superintendent Darrell Courtright told the commissioners that funding from both the state and local sources will be smaller than expected. Courtright also said he cannot afford some products for paving and bridge work.

The state cut the department’s budget by $111,000 due to property tax reforms. Also, Courtright said, the annual check of timber sales from NSWC Crane is smaller than in previous years.

“I sincerely believe it will get worse soon,” Courtright said about future funding. “I hope I am wrong.”

Courtright said by not filling positions in the past and by keeping hours shorter plus a four-day work week will allow Courtright to keep jobs at the highway garage.

“This move can keep our heads above water in 2009, but we won’t get much done on what we want to do,” Courtright said.

Commissioner Dan Gregory talked about a study he received that said the state is $3 billion behind in road upkeep. He said Martin County is not alone in highway woes. Other counties, including Lawrence and Orange counties, have laid off highway workers.

“What do you need from us Darrell?” Gregory asked.

“A golden egg,” Courtright said.

Commissioner Paul George, trying to be optimistic, said Courtright was wrong about future funding.

“We’re going to figure something out,” George said.

In a related move, the commissioners unanimously passed a resolution bringing down the hours a full-time employee has to work from 37 and a half to 36 hours a week. The resolution allows, County Attorney David Lett said, for more flexibility for county offices.

“This is to help out in case things get tough,” George said.

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