Mississippi school districts escaped budget cuts announced Wednesday, but most agencies providing everything from public safety to mental health treatment must determine how to cut back amid falling revenue.
Some plan to trim budgets by not filling vacant positions. At least one agency warns of possible layoffs, and another expects to reduce services.
State law requires cuts when revenue falls below 2 percent by October. Gov. Haley Barbour said cuts of 2 percent will take effect next week.
Besides K-12 education, Barbour spared big-ticket items like Medicaid and the Department of Health as he began cutting $42 million from the state’s $5 billion budget. The cuts won’t affect the state complying with court mandates that stem from lawsuits, such as one that requires easing foster-care caseloads.
But more cuts could be on the way in the fiscal year that runs through June 30, Barbour said. He expects revenue to continue falling.
Magnolia Tribune
