MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County government has furloughed more than 700 of its workers, or about one out of five.

County Executive David Crowley revealed those furloughs Wednesday at a virtual Milwaukee Press Club event.

He says the county is trying to save money in "inventive and creative ways."

"We've made sure to take an equitable approach, so we've seen furloughs all across different departments. We haven't necessarily furloughed too many folks from emergency management, public safety and public health because they're at the forefront of this pandemic," he said.

Crowley, who took office less than two weeks ago, is calling on the state of Wisconsin to make "direct and flexible" aid available to the county.