| Property tax valuations in 25 West Virginia counties have decreased for the first time since 1999, according to Deputy Revenue Secretary Mark Muchow.
Calhoun is one of those counties.
Valuations in counties for the fiscal year that begins July 1 are expected to be $51 million less than the current fiscal year.
The decrease is one of the reasons the Calhoun Commission is coming up short to finance county offices, in addition to a decline in oil and gas severance payments.
Following 2011-12 budget cuts, county officials will likely lay-off some of 13 county employees, continuing a pattern of reducing benefits.
The county has been operating with what has been described as a "bare bones" number of employees.
County employees have sacrificed raises or bonuses during the last two years.
County officials have experienced several budget cuts in the last two years, while the commission has virtually eliminated discretionary spending.
Muchow said, "We haven't seen anything like this in recent memory."
Calhoun commissioners are facing problems paying the regional jail bill and other unexpected costs that arise.
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