TRAVERSE CITY, MI -- The Grand Traverse County Road Commission will be temporarily cutting 15 employees from its work force.

Road Commission Manager Mary Gillis said one other employee will also be laid off on a “more permanent basis.”

The cuts are being made so the County can afford to do more seal coating around the area, Gillis said.

The temporary layoffs will begin sometime in August and are expected to last approximately three months.

The layoffs were decided upon Wednesday morning as Commission leaders passed a budget amendment. Gillis said the changes will balance their budget for the remainder of the year.