COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The South Carolina Mental Health
Department will cut 21 jobs and let 29 contract and temporary
workers go at mental health centers to deal with steep budget cuts.

The agency said Tuesday it will also leave 111 positions
unfilled at the 17 centers.

Remaining employees will have to take five days off without pay
to help the agency make up a $26 million budget cut.

The department is closing or eliminating six regional centers
and is getting rid of 75 beds at mental facilities and drug
treatment facilities.

The agency has also stopped nonessential travel and is buying
virtually no new equipment or vehicles.

Director John Magill says he worries more cuts are coming and is
planning further cost-cutting measures.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)