ROCK SPRING, Ga. — Budget cuts may force technical colleges around the state to consolidate administrative services. The changes would include the merger of Northwestern Technical College in Rock Spring and Coosa Valley Technical College in Rome.

The plan, which is still evolving, would mean consolidating 14 of the state’s 33 technical colleges to create seven schools, Mike Light, spokesman for the Technical College System of Georgia said today.

“We hope to keep job losses to a minimum if we do this,” Mr. Light said. “We will look for people displaced to have other places in the system.”

He said students would attend the same schools as they do now.

Officials said the proposed plan — which requires the technical schools to reduce their budgets by 6 percent — could save $3.5 million.

But some worry the consolidations will damage Northwestern and its solid standing in the community.

State Sen. Jeff Mullis, R-Chickamauga, said he doesn’t want to see the consolidation come to fruition. He also said he was told no jobs would be lost.

“Especially with the Volkswagen plant suppliers in our area, we want to make sure Northwestern Technical College is at the forefront of that,” Sen. Mullis said. “Our fear would be if they were somewhat influenced by the Coosa Valley ... it may detract from that.”

Mr. Light acknowledged Sen. Mullis’ fear, but said the changes will not affect the way the schools serve the community.

“This is only going to affect some administration,” Mr. Light said. “This is good business sense.”

See tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press for complete coverage.