By Angela Hatton
Metropolis, IL – Massac County, Illinois officials are answering questions about a lack of reserve funds. County Treasurer Floyd Sullivan says their surplus has been completely depleted. He says it's been a struggle to meet bi-weekly payroll, and some bills are going unpaid. The surplus began to dry up at the beginning of the year when state reimbursements slowed. Illinois faces a $13 billion deficit, and many agencies have complained of state IOUs. The county made budget cuts at the beginning of the fiscal to alleviate the problem, but it hasn't been enough. Sullivan says the state plans to make further cuts to departments, including transportation and county attorneys. Massac County department heads are meeting today to discuss a financial plan.