BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Probate Judge Alan King today told the Jefferson County Commission that staffing the upcoming primary elections may be difficult because not enough workers are on staff to do the work.

"With the shortage of staffing in general services, Jefferson County at present will not be able to conduct the March 13 election or, if needed, the April 24 runoff," King said. "With the layoffs in the county, and particularly in general services, it is apparent that we must implement a new election support staffing model. ... Otherwise, we will not have the capability to properly conduct the Jefferson County elections."

King said about $900,000 had been set aside in the general services budget, but county officials said they can't afford to use that money to being back the employees.

"We're going to have to make some very difficult decisions to reduce the budget another $40 million either through expense reductions or identification of revenues that can be found," said Commission President David Carrington. "What you don't want to do with $40 million in cuts is send some people home and bring some other people back."