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.
