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CHIPPEWA COUNTY -- The Michigan Department of Corrections is trying to deal with rising costs and a shrinking budget.
    
In Chippewa County, four correctional facilities employ almost 1,200 workers.  Unfortunately, that number could be shrinking and it's not a story unique to Chippewa County.
    
Correctional facilities across the state are looking for ways to consolidate and some are even closing.  Another money saving measure that's being pushed is a reduction in the state's prisoner population.

"If the parole board can identify and move thirty-five hundred out of the system effectively, that's about six-and-a-half percent, seven percent reduction in the population," said Prison Administrative Assistant, Micheal Sibbald.
    
That reduction translates into savings for the Michigan Department of Corrections, but unless there is a positive change in the budget, jobs will still be on the line.