DeKALB – The DeKalb County Health Department is laying off 16 employees as it transfers its home care program to KishHealth System because of budget constraints.

Talks between the organizations have been going on for months. The county’s home care program was expected to run a $284,000 deficit in 2013. Jane Lux, county public health administrator, said it was the right time to end the program and hand responsibility to KishHealth System before the beginning of the new year.

“It was a difficult decision,” she said. “But, we thought it was the best scenario for continued success of the home care service and we know KishHealth System shares our values.”