Mercer County may have to take drastic measures to cut millions and balance its budget.

Officials estimate the county's facing is a $43 million shortfall over the next two years. Lawmakers are mulling hiring freezes, pay freezes, work furloughs and layoffs as stopgap maneuvers.

In front of the courthouse steps, County Executive Brian Hughes explained that deep cuts must be made in order to balance the budget, which is now more than $278 million. He said just like families across the country, Mercer County must sit down and match revenue with expenses and then figure out priorities.

Hughes would normally deliver the annual budget address in February, but it has been postponed until March 12 in order to explore cost reductions. A spokesperson for at least one county employee union has said it already met with government officials to discuss concessions to help balance the budget.