MONROE, N.C. -- Forty Union County employees will lose their jobs on Friday in the first round of layoffs for Union County government employees. It might not be the last.

Along with the 40 jobs that are being cut, another 38 positions that haven’t already been filled will be eliminated. County leaders made the decision on where the cuts would come from in their Thursday meeting. It’s expected that the hardest hit area will be positions within the general government offices.

The changes are being made in an effort to help reduce the county’s $15 million budget shortfall. Leaders who spoke with News 14 Carolina say more cuts are expected from the county’s sheriff’s office and school district.

Commissioners are planning to meet with the sheriff’s department officials next week to decide exactly how much they’ll slash from their budget. Meanwhile, school leaders will meet with county leaders later on this month.

The 40 employees let go will receive a severance package based on how long they’ve been working for the county.