JACKSON, MS -- Beleaugered Jackson State University President James Lyons Sr. has asked the state legislature to erase a third of a university deficit that could exceed $3 million.

In a bill filed by Sen. Alice Harden (D-Jackson) the university would get $1.1 million to cover part of a deficit Lyons was told would be erased when he became president in 1992.

If the bill passes, however, Gov. Kirk Fordice is expected to veto it, Lt. Gov. Ronnie Musgrove said. About $2.1 million of the projected deficit was created after Lyons became president, said Faculty Senate President Ivory Phillips, who had tried to get a no confidence vote against Lyons.

The money problems, according to faculty members, could force the resignation of Darryl Chistmon, vice president for fiscal affairs.

Meanwhile, State Auditor Steve Patterson is threatening a criminal investigation against Jackson State if officials do not account for $350,000 in missing equipment, including typewriters and computers. The university has 90 days to say what happened to the equipment.

If Jackson State does not get the money from the legislature, Lyons said he would have to impose layoffs and a hiring freeze and limit spending and travel.

Lyons said he is attempting to respond to concerns that the university should not lose services because of a deficit dating back to 1992.

"A part of the debt was supposed to be eliminated and the university community was promised that the next president would start with a clean slate," said Lyons, former president of Bowie State University in Maryland. "I had a $1.1 million deficit when I walked in the door."

On Jan. 18, the College Board, which oversees Mississippi's eight public universities, declared a "limited state of emergency" at Jackson State after a shortfall of $1.5 million was projected for the current year. The College Board has ordered Lyons to eliminate the deficit by June 30.

That portion of the debt, that occurred after he became president, Lyons said, is Jackson State's responsibility. "Any deficit we have based on our spending patterns or athletic programs, that's on us," he said. "We would have to address that ourselves."