ROCKY MOUNT -- In a change to the often contentious budget process between Franklin County's school board and board of supervisors, the two boards met Tuesday before either has finalized its 2010-11 budget.

The meeting -- where each side presented its ideas on projected expenses, revenue and funding cuts -- comes very early in the budget process.

While county officials presented tentative numbers, dependent on the new governor and upcoming General Assembly session, school officials are anticipating a $6 million shortfall in funding from the state.

There are no specific figures yet, but county officials have been warned that funding could be eliminated for staffing the constitutional offices including the treasurer, commissioner of the revenue and commonwealth's attorney. A proposed 24 percent cut in funding for the sheriff's office could lead to eliminating 10 deputies, on top of three positions that already remain vacant, said county Finance Director Vincent Copenhaver.

School board member Ed Jamison encouraged elected officials to think outside the box and asked the supervisors what they could do to pick up where the state falls off.

He suggested a $1 million or $2 million loan from the county's $17 million fund balance or possibly raise the sales tax to help the schools and other ailing departments.

Without knowing exactly how much to expect in cuts from the state, supervisors said they can't commit to anything right now.

School board member G.B. Washburn requested the supervisors let them know as soon as possible what they're willing to do so the school board can factor that into their budget.

"I don't want to do a budget cutting $6 million if there's something you can do to help," he said.

State funding makes up about 46 percent of the county's revenue, County Administrator Rick Huff said. The school system's budget takes the largest chunk out of county coffers at about $31 million.

The two boards discussed a working list of cuts they're considering to bring expenses in line with revenue. School Superintendent Charles Lackey was hesitant to discuss the list publicly because of the anticipated public reaction.

"We will have to look at bigger ticket items," Lackey said.

Supervisor Wayne Angell said he doesn't know if he'd vote to raise taxes, but that the county's low tax rate was decided in a time of increased growth, especially at Smith Mountain Lake. The tax rate can't stay the same without growth, he said.