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Board of Optometry cites management changes and new licensing system while asking for level funding
Summary
The Mississippi Board of Optometry told the appropriations panel it has consolidated operations, hired a management contractor and installed a back‑end licensing system; it requested level funding and a small $2,750 equipment purchase to use the new system.
Dr. Reagan, identified herself as president of the Mississippi Board of Optometry, told the Senate appropriations subcommittee the newly constituted board contracted JBAR to manage operations, moved agency files out of a former executive director’s home and implemented a back‑end licensing system. Dr. Reagan said those changes produced operating savings she estimated at about $43,000 and improved service for licensees.
Agency witnesses reiterated a request for level funding for FY27 but said the board needs $2,750 for computer equipment tied to the new licensure system. Committee members pressed on available cash balances, past headcount changes (the board removed a state‑employee headcount and converted to a management contract) and how retirement contributions were handled for the prior executive director.
In response to questions, agency staff said the licensing system procurement originally estimated at roughly $50,000 is now expected to cost about $38,000 and that the system rollout delayed some spending into FY27. The subcommittee asked the board to return any written documentation on the licensing contract, the $43,000 savings estimate and the timing of system expenditures so members could reconcile the figures against Legislative Budget Office spreadsheets.
The subcommittee did not take final action; members requested follow‑up documents and clarification of cash‑balance and contract timing before votes on allocations.
