Budget shortfalls in the state budget have created the need for a “restructuring” and “reduction-in-force” within the Mississippi Forestry Commission for the 2018 fiscal year.
This will affect the MFC’s coverage of managing and fighting wildfires across the state, but according to a press release by the MFC, that was one of the last functions that saw a cut.
“Preserving the Mississippi Forestry Commission’s statutorily mandated
responsibility to protect forestland, lives, and homes from wildfire is
our top priority. After much deliberation, the difficult decision was
made to consolidate and reorganize districts, leaving as many wildland
firefighting ‘boots on the ground’ in place as possible – within the
constraints of our current budget restrictions,” said Charlie Morgan,
State Forester, Mississippi Forestry Commission. “The decision to
reorganize our districts was not made lightly. We are deeply saddened to
lose these faithful employees and appreciate their years of service to
the state of Mississippi.”
The reorganization model will take effect July 1, 2017. It will consolidate the current seven districts into four new regions. Approximately 75 positions will be eliminated once the reorganization process has been completed. Employees affected by the reorganization will be given the opportunity to apply for a limited number of positions within the new regions.
