In a weekend news release, Hamilton County Clerk Bill Knowles announced he has laid off five deputy clerks because of weak fee collections.
"The continuing loss of fees resulting from a slowed vehicle transaction market, the reduction of sales taxes collected from vehicle sales, and the looming change in business tax deposits procedures are reasons for this action," Mr. Knowles said.
Mr. Knowles said laying off the five employees was "extremely painful," but it is his duty to maintain the office's financial solvency.