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| Oklahoma Corrections Department Plans Cuts |
| By The Oklahoman |
| Published: 07/05/2002 |
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The Oklahoma Corrections Department plans to cut its budget deeper and leave several positions unfilled while trying to avoid being forced to ask the legislature for more money next year. In a meeting recently at the Jess Dunn Correctional Center in Taft, the Board of Corrections discussed the department's plans to tighten its budget next fiscal year. The department plans to leave 20 percent of its full-time positions unfilled, said Jerry Massie, department spokesman. Officials also will cut 15 percent of the department's operating expenses. The department asked for $424 million for its fiscal year 2002-03 budget but received $392 million. That leaves the agency $32 million short of what corrections officials said they needed. In the past, that would have meant cutting the budget and asking for supplemental appropriations in the middle of the year. Officials hope their plan will make up for the shortfall and help them avoid asking for more money. A lot will depend on fluctuations in the prison population. If inmate counts rise, the costs of running the agency will rise, as well, Massie said. In other action, the board approved private prison contracts through December. Oklahoma houses nearly 5,900 inmates in private prisons. The board also approved increasing bed space by 43 at the Mabel Bassett Correctional Center's minimum- security women's unit. The center in Oklahoma City will now have space for 208 inmates. |
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