The head of an organization that represents state employees said those workers are feeling a bit anxious about the belt tightening in state government.
After imposing a 4.05 percent allotment, Gov. Jack Dalrymple ordered another 2 ½ percent cut just before the special session. And the agencies have to report to the Office of Management and Budget by August 15th on how they will deal with the latest round. And Dalrymple has asked state agencies to submit 90 percent budgets for the next two year period.
North Dakota United president Nick Archuleta said he’s heard from some agencies that there isn’t much left to cut, outside of personnel costs.
"We have heard some talk about furloughs, and maybe layoffs," Archuleta said. "On the campuses, we're not exactly certain how much more they can cut. I think that's true in every budget."
Archuleta said state agencies need to weigh that carefully.
"The work isn't going to go away," Archuleta said. "It will just be done by fewer employees."
Archuleta is urging agency heads to be very mindful of that fact. He said they should be open with their staffs, and let them know what is going on.
Archuleta said he is also concerned that, in the upcoming Legislative session, some state lawmakers may push for a reduction in state employee benefits – such as having workers start paying for part of their health insurance.
"I do not know if that helps," Archuleta said. "I can tell you right now, it will not help with recruiting and retaining quality employees. If an employee looks at the work load that's going to be there, and then realizes the benefits they've earned and come to expect won't be there, that's a disincentive."
The department of Human Services had funding restored in the special Legislative session, so it wasn't a part of the later allotment -- though it did have to cut back its budget by the earlier 4.05 percent. The department of Corrections had 1 and 1/2 percent of its second allotment restored as well.
