Fort Drum is outlining how it wants to tackle big budget cuts without reducing force or ordering furloughs.

2010 events, however, will be canceled, starting with the Air Show and there is a hiring freeze in place.

Colonel Riddle says onle critical positions will be filled and the post will consolidate dining facilities to save money.

Also in an effort to cut back spending, laundry services and garbage pick up days will be cut back and janitorial services will be reduced.

"Services and programs that deal with life, health and safety issues will be protected," Riddle said.

The following is an editorial  from Garrison Commander Colonel Ken Riddle:

Fort Drum Soldiers, Families and Civilians:

Changes in Army funding at the highest levels are translating to a 30% reduction here at Fort Drum in the base operating budget for this fiscal year.

Now Fort Drum joins the entire Army in seeking ways to be better stewards of our funds while still maintaining vital support services to our Soldiers and Families.

It cannot be stressed enough that the services supporting the Soldier's mission of training, deployment and re-deployment, and the services that support Soldier and Family wellness - be it physical, mental or spiritual will only be minimally impacted, if at all. Services and programs that deal with life, health, and safety issues will also be protected.

Current plans for mitigating funding changes include:

* 2010 Airshow Cancellation
* Restricted hiring - only critical open positions will be filled
* Dining facilities consolidation
* Critical-only funding for supplies, travel and overtime
* Stray Animal pick-up contract eliminated
* Master planning studies suspended
* Grass cutting and landscaping frequency reduced
* Laundry support services reduced
* Refuse pick-up frequency reduced
* Janitorial services reduced
* Equipment maintenance services reduced
* On-post shuttle service eliminated (*dining facility shuttle
continues*)
* Reduced capability and response time at the Central Issue
Facility for the issue of field gear

No doubt there will be a difference - the grass may be longer this summer, Soldiers may have to cross the post to eat on the weekend, a Family member may have to wait longer in the ID card line. However, we are being very deliberate in how and where we implement change, with an ever-present eye on how it will affect overall support to our Soldiers, Families, and Civilians, now and down the road.

Changes in how Fort Drum consumes utilities with an eye on conservation are also in the works as a significant cost-savings measure. No measure will be considered too small if it lends itself toward more prudent obligation of funds.

What budget numbers can never capture, and therefore never really tell the story of, is the incredible surplus in integrity and dedication found in our civilian workforce. It will be this human-capital that bridges the gap between last year's budget numbers and this year. I have no doubt that during the changes ahead our work force will adapt and continue to achieve their mission - to provide the best possible support to Soldiers and Families.