There is still some uncertainty with the school board's budget for the next fiscal year. But, school board members heard Wednesday that they are dealing with at least a $1,000,000 shortfall. And that's without the property tax numbers coming in, which they say could be lower than anticipated; they just don't know how low.

It could mean as much as a $2,000,000 reduction in revenue, on top of the $1.2 million they absolutely need. Bay County schools Superintendent Bill Husfelt says he has some ideas on how to close the gap. But, school board members brainstormed about some other ways to get revenue, and that conversation focused heavily on taxes.

Husfelt says, "I would much rather go back to the folks of Bay County and say, 'Look, we don't want to go up on the millage but we don't have any choice and the only other option we have is a half cent sales tax.' And at some point, we're going to have to bring that back up."

Bay County School Board member Donna Allen says, "We are there now. Either it's half-cent sales tax or it's the millage rate. And there's not much more of a choice to take care of your forty-two plus buildings for your students to be educated in."

Husfelt says, "I'm not twisting anybody's arm. I'm just telling you, we have to do certain things with these buildings. You decide how you want us to pay for it."

The numbers are still coming in, and board members say they need more information before they can make any decisions. But, last year's cuts are set in stone and that means there are more than 100 less positions in district-level offices. And Superintendent Husfelt said the board estimates it has let go between 50 and 70 annual contract teachers, who will not have jobs next year.