PORTLAND -- Clark County officials say they are preparing to reduce the hours for staff devoted to development and permitting applications.

The cutbacks come as officials say building and development applications are at or near 20-year lows.

“This is a response to the economy and the reduction in our business,” Community Development Director Marty Snell said.

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At least 23 employees have recently been told they’ll be laid off by the end of 2008, Snell said.

The county has seen sharp decreases each year since 2006.

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Snell said new service hours will be announced after the layoffs are executed and that the employees could be transferred to other county departments, if possible.