Worries from officials in the past Voinovich and Celeste administrations point to a possible state deficit of $8 billion in the next state budget.

Even if every Ohio state worker was furloughed the deficit would still be $4 billion, these sources say.

Of equal concern is the consolidation of state agencies. That might even include enfolding the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency into the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Such a metamorphosis would be the envy of even BBC's "Dr. Who" and who is in his 11th incarnation.

What such a merger would bring could very well spell a new, revamped, department with increased duties and likely a reduced work force.

All of which could prove fodder for State Sen. Tim Grendell, R-Chester Township. Grendell long has been an advocate of merging and combining state agencies.

And for the morale-low Ohio Division of Wildlife this high-profile agency might see some significant changes also, sources say.

- Jeffrey L. Frischkorn
JFrischkorn@news-herald.com