 Since 2007, the Greater Bemidji Joint Planning Board has been providing zoning and planning services for the Bemidji area. Tonight, our Josh Peterson shares with us how a budget shortfall has left the JPB without an operating budget for the start of 2017. The Greater Bemidji Joint Planning Board is a unique organization that provides planning and zoning services for the city of Bemidji, Northern Township and Bemidji Township. However, in 2016, the JPB ran a budget deficit of an estimated $26,000. Currently, the JPB is operating on reserve funds until the 2017 budget is approved at next week's meeting. We're doing okay, but it's just for the long term, I mean, we don't want to see this. I mean, we want to be able to see, we don't want to see red each year. Already for 2017, the JPB is looking at a budget deficit of approximately $51,000. A large portion of that investment is for a consultant firm hired to help design a comprehensive plan. It was about a $40,000 cost, so I guess that is what kind of tacked into the budget for this year and why we're seeing almost $50,000. The JPB says a contributing factor to the budget shortfall is linked to the ongoing litigation over annexation between Bemidji Township and the city of Bemidji. We also have the lack of contributions being contributed on one of our LGUs. Cost-cutting measures are not off the table. Cutbacks may already be in the works. Everyone's going to sit on it and kind of talk, try to figure out where we can go, how we can cut costs if we need to, like, you know, is there certain things out there that we don't really need? In Bemidji, I'm Josh Peterson, Lakeland News. We reached out to Bemidji Township for comment as well, but a representative for the township was unable to comment at this time. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.