The Internet may be buzzing with angry state workers criticizing Gov. Bev Perdue’s decision Tuesday to cut their pay by one-half percent in May and June, but in Sampson County, her action was met with understanding and, from some, surprise.

State workers, including teachers, will see a pay cut in their monthly May and June paychecks after Perdue ordered the move Tuesday, calling for one-half percent of a worker’s annual salary be taken through what’s called a flexible furlough program.

In short, state workers earning $30,000 a year could expect to see their monthly May paychecks cut by $75, followed by another $75 cut in June. In return, workers will get an extra 10 hours of flexible time off. The executive order directing the flexible furloughs is estimated to save the state $65 million over the two months.

“We all must do our part in this economic situation to save jobs and preserve our economy,” said Clinton City Schools superintendent Dr. Gene Hales. “We know that it is difficult, but sometimes tough decisions have to be made. The majority of the state budget goes to pay personnel; therefore, I am sure the decision was made to cut here as there would be a greater impact on trying to balance the state budget as required by law.”

The biggest problem, Hales said, was the element of surprise. “ I wish we could have had the information early so we could have explained it to our employees rather than them hearing it from the other sources.”

Sampson County Schools superintendent Dr. Ethan Lenker also said that Perdue made a tough decision.

“I had heard that the state receipts for March and April were coming in better than expected so the furlough program really came as a surprise,” he admitted. “I do not envy her for having to make such decisions. I am sure no one is happy, but Sampson County Schools has one of the most devoted staffs I have ever had the privilege of working with. The school system is dedicated to continuous improvement, will continue to deliver top quality instruction and (we) will continue to move forward.”

But the news, coming in the form of a press conference shortly after Perdue signed the executive order calling for the cuts, was a surprise that left many baffled.

“There are so many unanswered questions that come with it,” said Sampson Community College president Dr. William Aiken. “It will impact the classrooms and the staff — taking .5 percent from their paychecks over two months is going to be tough for a lot of people and we really didn’t have any warning ...”

Aiken, whose college has already reverted close to a half-million dollars back to the state, said that he is keeping his staff up-to-date with the latest information. “I will continue to do that because there is so much that hasn’t been answered about it yet,” he said.

One of those bigger questions is how workers in the classroom will maneuver their schedules to get an extra 10 hours of flexible time off. “Is that really feasible?” Aiken asked. “I don’t know ... That is just one of those questions that needs to be answered.”

Tammie S. Page, Charles E. Perry fifth-grade educator and president of the Sampson County Association of Educators, said that while she understands the need for a balanced budget, teachers are going to be hit hard with the news.

“I was surprised,” Page said. “For those of us who depend on a certain amount in our monthly check, this (decision) really didn’t give us time to adequately plan — (June) may be the last check for the year for some teachers.”

Page said with the state’s $2.2 billion budget shortfall, cuts were inevitable. “I realize that everyone is having to share in cuts across all parts of education ... we all knew that jobs or positions may be cut and that no one was going to get a pay raise, but no one thought that our pay was going to be cut. It was a big surprise because no one expected it.”

Page said she has already heard some concerns from teachers. “I already know teachers are upset,” she said. “We already do so much ... it is going to be tremendously hard.”

Another state employee K. E. Fussell, district engineer for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, said she, like others, can understand the need for the cuts. “I certainly can understand where this is coming from,” she said. “The state is in the middle of some real financial crisis concern. Everyone wants a balanced budget.”

However, Fussell said there is concern from her staff.

“With .5 percent coming out of their checks before the end of June, they are all concerned about it,” she said. “There are a lot of front line employees that live paycheck to paycheck ... The biggest concern is if this will be the first of many cuts. With the recent changes in the health insurance, it is going to be almost impossible for some (employees) to keep family coverage.”

As for the governor herself, Perdue said she would cut her own pay, and while she cannot impose salary cuts on elected officials such as lawmakers and judges, Perdue said she had already asked Chief Justice Sarah Parker and legislative leaders to voluntarily take the pay cuts. House Majority Leader Hugh Holliman, D-Davidson, confirmed legislative leaders would accept pay cuts. The state constitution bars governors from changing the salaries of elected officials during their terms.

‘‘Everybody is willing to give up a little of their salary,’’ Perdue said.

Just how much that will impact local state workers will be felt within the next couple of months.

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 139 or send e-mail to sisports@myclintonnc.com.