WESSON – Copiah-Lincoln Community College officials said theywill explore all options to cut costs if proposed state fundinglevels for the upcoming year become reality.

At Thursday’s board of trustees meeting, Co-Lin President Dr.Howell Garner said school officials are working against aLegislative Budget Office proposal to cut community college fundingby around $18 million. Combined with lower student enrollment fromthe fall, which impacts funding levels, Garner said that would meanjust over $1 million less for Co-Lin next year.

Following previous years of reduced funding, Garner said a lotof money would have to be cut as Co-Lin officials prepare nextyear’s budget.

“Everything’s going to be on the table,” Garner said. “All kindsof options will be available to us.”

Garner did not elaborate on those options but said Co-Linofficials would strive to avoid employee reductions.

“We would hope that would not be necessary at any stage,” Garnersaid. “But it’s a serious thing when you try to make up thatdifference.”

Trustee Chuck Gilbert, of Natchez, said the board of trusteesshould look at cutting expenses related to its services.

“We can take some cut ourselves,” Gilbert said. “It can addup.”

Garner said it would likely be around mid-March before schoolofficials know what to expect in the way of funding. He said thetrustees’ budget committee would have some ideas and options toconsider when it meets later this month.

The school’s budget process and planning calendar includesbudget hearings and recommendations to Garner in March and April. Abudget is expected to be presented to trustees at their May meetingand then be approved at the June meeting.

Through the budgeting process, Garner said school personnelwould have an opportunity to justify the money they receive.

“It’s a very slim budget, but there will be an opportunity forpersonnel to discuss their needs,” Garner said. “We feel that’simportant.”

Regarding the state funding uncertainty, Garner said a $268million deficit in Medicaid currently is occupying lawmakers’attention.

“Until they find a way to address Medicaid funding, I don’tthink they’re going to get around to other funding areas,” Garnersaid.