Sanford, N.C. — Lee County Manager John Crumpton said Friday he would recommend that the county cut jobs and eliminate unfilled positions in order to reach a goal of reducing staff by 10 percent.

Crumpton said he intends to suggest that the board of commissioners make permanent 16 vacancies that have resulted from recent resignations and retirements. He will also recommend that 22 more positions be cut from among the 380 full-time county employees.

Crumpton said he hopes to encourage people to leave voluntarily to get to that goal, but the county may have to consider layoffs.