Forty-two employees took early retirement back in March. The county's Department of Social Services was one of the hardest agencies hit by the early retirement offer. Assistant County Manager Andre Mallette says the agency is restructuring to make up for the loss. And all departments are working to minimize the impact.

"We are not naive enough to believe that we'll be able to be as responsive immediately as we want to. But we want to assure the public that we will make every effort we can to try to provide the same level of service that they're accustom too."

Some changes have already kicked in. Ed McMahon says he stepped in as "acting sheriff" Monday evening, replacing the retired Sid Causey. McMahon gets sworn in at Wednesday morning.

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