News 12 at 6 o'clock, September 4, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga.---It's a theme we're all hearing these days...doing more with less. That's the challenge at the Medical College of Georgia. News 12 was at the State of the University Address. They are facing a multi-million dollar budget cut.

Brace yourselves. This will be a rough ride. Welcome to the Medical College of Georgia State of the University Address. The message...the path ahead will be anything but smooth sailing.

"We're flat out of easy," said MCG President Dr. Rahn. "This is not easy. It's challenging, and there's no silver bullet. There's no one decision."

There's no one decision that will wipe out the state's $1.6 billion shortfall, but MCG is using the movie Castaway as a story of triumph while they face a wave of budget cuts totaling $9 million to $11 million.

"We do not anticipate layoffs at MCG," said Dr. Rahn. "But we do anticipate that we're going to have to look very closely at positions that are currently vacant."

This all comes at a time when applicants and student enrollment is up.

"Of course, I'm concerned," said Dr. Rahn. "I mean the state's fiscal environment is challenging."

"Despite all of the uncertainty the Medical College of Georgia is still growing. The neighboring Gilbert Manor is all boarded up as the looming MCG prepares to move in. That is thanks, in part, to a $10 million gift from the city.

"It's one less thing to have to worry about," said Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver.

The city is committed to securing the area's second largest job provider.

"MCG will expand here in Augusta," said Mayor Copenhaver. "It is an economic driving engine for our city and our state. I'm looking toward the future, and the future looks bright to me."

There are two families remaining in Gilbert Manor. Those people could be out as early as next week. Dr. Rahn says the school expects to close on the property by the end of the month.