Local K-12 schools may be safe for the time being, but Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue has ordered another 4 percent spending cut to the state’s university system beginning in August.

The cuts will undoubtedly affect Georgia Perimeter College, but it’s unclear at this time if the Newton campus will take a hit.

The Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget has advised all state agencies that, in a prudent measure, beginning in August, they will be withholding 4 percent of the monthly agency allotment," said John Millsaps, Associate Vice Chancellor of Media and Publications for the University System of Georgia.

"We are not surprised by this: all have been on watch and Chancellor [Erroll] Davis has advised USG presidents to be both prudent and proactive in preparing for additional budget reductions," he said.

The cuts will save the state $25.5 million per month. According to Millsaps, all state agencies must submit their amended budget and their Fiscal Year 2012 budget requests by Sept. 1. They must also submit budget reduction plans at 4, 6 and 8 percent for FY11. The Board of Regents will be asked to approve those plans at their Aug. 10-11 regents meeting.

"Currently no details are available regarding these plans, which are in development," explained Millsaps, adding that details regarding GPC will be developed in the coming weeks.