Pubdate: Tue, 03 Feb 2004
Source: Clarion-Ledger, The (MS)
Copyright: 2004 The Clarion-Ledger
Contact: http://www.clarionledger.com/about/letters.html
Website: http://www.clarionledger.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/805
Author: Shelia Hardwell Byrd, Associated Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/rusty+fortenberry

FORTENBERRY TO ASK FOR 1 BUDGET FOR HIS AGENCY, MBN

Public Safety Commissioner Rusty Fortenberry will ask the Legislature
to consolidate the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics' budget with that
of his agency to avoid overlaps of equipment, facilities and services.

Although MBN's director reports to the commissioner, the agency has
its own budget.

"It should all be one budget. Then we can address where we have the
duplication of services," Fortenberry said Monday in an interview with
The Associated Press.

MBN's helicopter is an example of such duplication, Fortenberry said.
The Department of Public Safety already has two helicopters, one of
which is unmarked, he said.

"Why can't the Bureau of Narcotics use our helicopter?" Fortenberry
said. "That was one of the first things we did was start the process
of selling the bureau's helicopter. Where there's duplication, we need
to cut it out."

George Phillips, who Gov. Haley Barbour appointed as MBN director,
couldn't be reached at his office Monday for comment.

But in an interview late last month with The Clarion-Ledger, Phillips
said he wanted to sell the MBN helicopter. Whenever the MBN needed a
helicopter, it could possibly pay Fortenberry's agency for its use,
Phillips said.

Fortenberry said he plans to introduce legislation this session to
make the change.

The Department of Public Safety requested $56.9 million in general
funds for fiscal year 2005, but the Joint Legislative Budget Committee
recommended $42.9 million.

MBN's budget request is $16.9 million. Budget writers are recommending
$9.7 million.

Travis Little, Senate president pro tempore, said lawmakers wouldn't
object to Fortenberry's proposal.

"Ultimately they're going to have (only) so much money to spend,
whether it's in two budgets or one, but the amount of money will
remain the same regardless," said Little, R-Corinth.

Fortenberry said he may also look at consolidating facilities and
equipment to stretch budget dollars.

In addition to MBN, the Department of Public Safety oversees the
Highway Patrol and the state Crime Lab. Fortenberry, a former district
attorney, said he spent his first month on the job visiting with state
troopers and other agency staff.

Fortenberry said his agency's emphasis will be on coordination and
communication with local and federal law enforcement officials,
especially when it comes to the Department of Homeland Security.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin