Montana agencies turn in 10 percent budget cut plans

HELENA — Government agencies on Friday submitted proposals to cut 10 percent from their budgets to close a projected $227 million shortfall due to lower-than-expected tax collections and a very expensive wildfire season.

Ten percent is the maximum cut that Gov. Steve Bullock can impose while the Legislature is out of session, and he may not order the full amount.

“Some very tough decisions are going to be made over the coming weeks and months as I work to responsibly balance our budget,” said Bullock, who will begin his review of the proposals Sept. 26, after they have been looked over by legislative committees.

The state is required by law to have a cash reserve of at least $143 million, but Bullock's administration forecast an $84 million deficit by 2019 if nothing is done — leaving a $227 million gap to fill, even after $70 million in cuts that were triggered last month by low revenue results.

Read more: http://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/local/2017/09/08/montana-agencies-turn-percent-budget-cut-plans/105386594/