The hard realities of the recession hit home last week as 30 Forsyth County government employees lost their jobs. The positions were cut to offset the 2009 budget deficit of $6.2 million and aid projected 2010 figures, which are deeper in the red.

Also eliminated were 24 unfilled, vacant positions.

The cuts had been expected since last month, when the Forsyth County commission gave County Manager Doug Derrer the authority to slash $500,000 in staffed positions.

With eight positions cut, the tax assessor’s office lost more staff than any other department.

Other departments that had to dismiss employees last week included planning and development, which lost six workers, and parks and recreation. Also affected were the tax commissioner’s office, commercial services, solid waste, water, GIS, fleet services and facilities management.