Tight budget likely to continue

North Carolina Department of Public Safety

March 2001

Tight Budget Likely To Continue
by Keith Acree

With a state budget shortfall that has surpassed $700 million and may soon reach $1 billion, Department of Correction employees can expect finances to remain tight for the next two years, said Secretary Theodis Beck on Feb. 16.

State budget officials have asked DOC to trim a significant portion from the department's budget for fiscal year 2000-2001, almost $36 million -- roughly equal to a 3 percent reduction from last year's budget.

Officials in every division and section are examining their finances closely, looking for opportunities to save. In Central Engineering for example, $3.75 million in funds that were planned for prison repairs and renovations will be turned back to the state. That money was planned for improvements in perimeter security at Odom and Caledonia Correctional Institutions and roof repairs, water, wastewater and fire safety improvements at other prisons

Perhaps the greatest savings will come in the area of personnel, where a hiring freeze remains in place for all except critical positions. Hiring continues for correctional officer, probation/parole officer and medical positions, and positions at certain facilities that are extremely understaffed. A 21-day hiring delay is also in effect for those who are hired.

There are also some cost-saving changes implemented in this edition of Correction News. Temporarily, the newsletter is being printed on a less costly paper and without any color. The number of copies printed and distributed has been reduced by 3,000. Normal distribution and printing will resume when the budget situation improves. In the meantime, please share this copy of Correction News with others in your workplace.

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