2009 MM Share
From Extension Collaborative Wiki
12. What other actions or situations in your state do you think would be meaningful to share with your Southern Region Middle Manager colleagues?
Virginia
Currently in a hiring freeze.
A new Dean of the College of Ag has been hired to start October 1st. Hopes are to start search for a Director of Extension after that time.
The state has asked VCE and AG Research to prepare contingency plans for a 5%, 10% 15% state budget reduction. A reduction at any of these levels will significantly impact programs and personnel levels.
VCE is undertaking an intensive strategic planning process with hopes of completion by the end of this year. This will be a 5-10 year plan.
Texas
While Texas enjoyed a very successful legislative session with the state providing additional appropriations to our base budget. However,counties are beginning to experience economic cutbacks. Texas will provide on annual salary increase only providing a one time retention payment for faculty making less than $100,000.
Tennessee
Tennessee had a 20% reduction in operating costs. Tennessee completed a Voluntary Early Retirement Incentive and several agents are working part-time for a year after retirement. We may face another reduction the economic situation does not improve. There have been no raises.
LSU AgCenter
Promotion & specialization increases only, no merit increases for either classified or non-classified staff. A 10% budget cut was instituted shortly after July 1, on toip of the 4.4% budget cut we received mid-year. 50 classified & non-classified staff were accepted for early retirement with a maximum $25,000 buyout depending on one's salary. Candidates had to apply, meet retirement requirements, & agree to retire no later than November 13, 2009. All vacant positions are frozen unless grant $'S, federal or locaL $'S are involved or significant cause justifies special exemption which must be appoved by the LSU System Board of Supervisors.
Clemson Extension
2008/2009:
Numerous frozen positions
Several construction projects unfinished
Mandatory 5-day furlough
20% operating reduction for all county offices
50% travel reduction for all county agents
Early-out program
In total we sustained a 20% budget cut in Extension
Oklahoma
While Oklahoma was insulated to the economic crisis faced by other states over the past couple of years, the state economy has now began to suffer. This is primarily due to a reduction in the production of energy (oil and especially natural gas), lower sales of automobiles and a reduction in income taxes. We are looking at a 5% call back of state appropriations as of today with some expectations that this will increase during the year.
Mississippi
We have a 5% holdback during the current fiscal year in anticipation of budget reductions. A new VP for the Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine begins in October. Positions are not frozen, but administrative positions have to be justified and approved at the Presidential level. Faculty positions can be filled. We have a State Leader for FCS position vacant.
