North Carolina's budget quandry

March 4, 2011

North Carolina: North Carolina faces a problem similar to many other states this year. Currently, the state is projecting a $3.7 billion budget shortfall and is identifying all potential avenues to close the gap. Governor Bev Perdue is expected to ask the judiciary to trim $19 million off of its current operating budget. Before this occurs, the Administrative Office of the Courts asked the hiring heads of the Judicial Department to reduce the workforce where they could.

Facts about the judicial branch budget:

• In the last fiscal year, it received $467 million in state funds. This represents 2.29% of the state budget.

• 90% of the judiciary's budget goes to personnel.

• 179 employees opted for early severance packages in the month of February. These positions will not stand as vacancies, but duties performed have been incorporated into other jobs. This represents almost a 2% budget reduction.