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Contra Costa Prosecutors Disappointed With Furlough Plan

MARTINEZ (KCBS) - The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors was expected to sign off on an order Tuesday, requiring attorneys in the Contra Costa County District Attorney's to take 12 furlough days between January and June, 2011.

The 12 unpaid days off would translate into 8 percent pay cut for prosecutors.

KCBS' Bob Melrose Reports:

"Yeah, it doesn't make them happy but we understand that everybody needs to chip in, in these tough economic times," reasoned homicide prosecutor and union head Barry Grove. "But what makes us really unhappy is that we get the worst of both worlds, we get very harsh staffing cuts and we get reduction in pay."

Some attorneys suggested they would come to the office anyway, simply to stay on top of their work. Others conceded that the wheels of justice would turn more slowly, given the furloughs.

Incoming District Attorney Mark Peterson has formed a special committee to look for ways to maximize his office's limited resources.

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