At least two of Mississippi’s community colleges may raise tuition in the face of mandatory budget trimming. And one of them also may cut part-time workers and adjunct instructors.
Other state agencies are absorbing vacant positions, delaying maintenance projects and curtailing out-of-town trips – anything to avoid layoffs. But more cuts could be required if revenues keep falling.
State law requires budget trimming if by October revenue falls 2 percent below what was anticipated. Gov. Haley Barbour asked agencies last month to prepare for cuts.
He is trying to shave $42 million from the $5 billion budget to make up for revenue shortfalls. The cuts take effect immediately for the fiscal year that runs through June 30.