MADISON, Wis. -- Dane County workers are making every effort to avoid layoffs and, at the same time, maintain a level of service taxpayers have come to expect.

To that end, Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney formally announced on Tuesday that all county workers -- both union and non-union -- will take a voluntary 5 percent pay cut starting Wednesday through the remainder of the year.

Mahoney praised the workers' decision.

"Each of us here today recognizes that sacrifice made by our employees and we applaud them to ensure the highest quality of service in every department in Dane County," he said.

The pay cut includes managers and department heads. Mahoney said the move will save the county $8 million during the next six months.

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.