The Office of Juvenile Affairs may need to consider shutting down some juvenile facilities next fiscal year if the Legislature does not increase its appropriations.
Board members were told last month the agency would need a “substantial increase in the budget for 2016” to keep certain facilities operational.
On Friday, the board discussed a potential budget for fiscal year 2016 that calls for an increase of $21.1 million in appropriations. No action was taken on the proposed budget but a myriad of needs for the agency were discussed.
Executive Director Keith Wilson warned board members about the “dire” circumstances the agency is facing, including operating the Southern Plains center with fewer staff or shutting it down altogether.
