Administrators at Copiah-Lincoln Community College are weighing their options for programs and services offered as their budget continues to get hit with cuts.

State appropriations for the 2017 fiscal year budget have been cut $730,000. Administrators anticipate a cut of at least 10 percent or $1.2 million for the 2018 fiscal year budget.

“These cuts are significant and they will impact the programs and services that we offer our students and the communities we serve,” Co-Lin President Ronnie Nettles said.

The Co-Lin administration predicted major cuts last year. They spent $600,000 less than budgeted last year, and showed a clean audit report for fiscal year 2016.

The budget committee — Nettles, Board Chairman Eugene Bates, Vice President of Business Affairs Stan Patrick, Vice President of Instructional Services Jane Hulon, Simpson County Center Vice President Dewayne Middleton and Natchez campus Vice President Theresa Busby — will soon meet to develop a plan regarding the cuts, which they’ll present during the May meeting.

“Most concerning to me is the increased financial burden that will be placed on the working families of our district who want their children to take advantage of a community college system that provides their most economical pathway to a career,” Nettles said.