State Controller Donna Jones says her office needs a $245,000 budget increase in general funds for computer services for the statewide accounting system, and needs it badly. The accounting system had an operating deficiency last year, and she shifted funds from personnel savings, she said - otherwise, "I would have been forced to shut down my accounting division before the end of the fiscal year." The problem, she said, is "so severe that unless action is taken to secure it, our ability to fulfill our statutory and constitutional duties may be compromised."

Jones' budget request is for a 9.5 percent increase in general funds next year, but an overall decrease in all funds of 2.2 percent. Gov. Butch Otter has recommended a 1 percent general fund increase, and an overall 6.3 percent cut. He didn't recommend funding the $245,000 request, Jones' top request. "Over the past five years we've cut everything that can be cut from our budget," Jones said. "When you asked me to tighten my belt and my budget, I did."