Idaho Governor Asks Agencies To Prepare For Worst

BOISE, Idaho — Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter has asked his agency directors to prepare for budget holdbacks.

Governor Otter made the announcement on Wednesday, saying that agencies should prepare budgets that reflect 1, 2, and 2 ½-percent holdback.

A spokesman for the Governor said that even though the request has been made, it doesn’t necessarily mean the cutbacks will be implemented.

“I want everybody to know that this is not an unusual occurrence,” said Governor Otter. “We have seen this kind of thing happen before.”

Governor Otter cited economic downturns as the reason why revenues are coming in below the projected mark.

“So what I have done, I have directed all state agencies to draft contingency plans,” said Governor Otter. “I believe it is the right thing to do. It is common sense to do.”

The first quarter of the fiscal year is just finishing up. Otter’s decision was based on the fact that the first quarter of the fiscal year is just finishing up. The Governor was concerned that if a plan wasn’t drafted now, cuts could be much more drastic later.

“I am hoping for the best, I am absolutely hoping for the best,” said Otter. “But I am planning for the worst.”

That “worst” would represent the two-and-a-half percent decrease. The “best” in this situation would be no reductions at all throughout the budget year.