Lawrence County has a 2009 general fund budget, albeit a temporary one.

The Lawrence County Commission approved a one-month spending plan in a meeting Friday morning. The budget calls for an across-the-board cut of 12 percent of what was originally appropriated in the 2008 budget.

“This will let the new commissioner coming in have some play on it,” Commission President Doug Malone said.

The commission meeting was moved from Thursday afternoon because of a lack of quorum. Commission President Doug Malone was unable to attend for health reasons. Fellow Commissioner Tanner Heaberlin also did not attend. State Law requires at least two of the three commissioners be present to conduct county business.

In other matters, the commission agreed to send a letter to U.S. Sen. George Voinovich, asking him to protect some $5 million in federal funding earmarked for the Union-Rome Sewer System expansion. The fear is that, with all the federal bailouts of automakers and investment houses, funding for other needs may be cut.

“If that money doesn’t come through, it is going to make it very difficult for our system to go forward without dramatic changes,” Commissioner Jason Stephens said.

The commission also agreed to purchase four used police cruisers for the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office from Lucas County at a cost of $100 each.

“You can’t possibly pass up a deal like that, can you?” Malone said.

The commission also approved the resignations of Mike Patterson and David Wilson from Lawrence County Job and Family Services. Patterson was elected clerk of courts last month and Wilson is retiring.

The commission will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday for its regular weekly session. At noon, all incoming officeholders will be sworn in at a ceremony on the third floor.